Catholicism/Introduction/Sacraments

Baptism

In the Catholic Church, baptism can be performed by an ordained catholic priest or a catholic person in an emergency situation. Baptism requires; holy water, chrism oil, and catechumens oil.

Penance

Penance (also known as Reconciliation or Confession) is the Sacrament by which a baptized Catholic is absolved of his sins and reconciled to Christ and the Church. The Sacrament has four steps: contrition, confession, absolution and penance. Contrition is deep sorrow and hatred for sin, with a firm resolution to avoid sinning in the future. Confession, specifically to a priest, is required for the Sacrament to absolve the penitent of grave sin. All grave or mortal sins must be confessed in the Sacrament of Penance. Penance is performing acts of amendment, to God and neighbor, which the penitent must do to restore justice in these relationships. Further, because of the disorder caused in the soul of the penitent by his sin, he must "make reparation", "expiate", or "do penance" to restore spiritual health. To obtain absolution, the penitent must confess his sins to a priest with the faculties of absolving. These faculties are received from the Church and allow the priest to forgive sins in the name of Jesus.

Reconciliation with God is the main purpose and effect of this Sacrament. Further, the Sacrament reconciles the Christian to the Church, gives consolation, remits the eternal punishment of sin, and strengthens the Christian for spiritual battle. Father Gabriele Amorth, the Vatican’s top exorcist, stated that confession is more powerful than an exorcism.

Confirmation

The Saint Joseph Confirmation Book by Lawrence Lovasik contains information about the Catholic Holy Sacrament of Confirmation.

Matrimony

Catholic persons who are single must discern whether or not they are called to the priesthood or matrimony. If matrimony is chosen, the catholic is expected to date with the intention of marrying within the Catholic Church. If a person was ever married prior to seeking matrimony in a Catholic Church, they must apply for an annulment for any previous marriage.

The Catholic Church provides a marriage course called Pre-Cana for those seeking matrimony.