The Seven Sacraments
A sacrament is an outward sign, instituted by Christ, to give us grace. It always involves some physical or audible action and is the means through which we enter into the mystery of God's saving plan. In other words: they are the 'power tools' of the Catholic spiritual life.
Baptism
Holy Baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life, the gateway to life in the Spirit, and the door which gives access to the other sacraments. Through Baptism we are freed from sin and reborn as children of God; we become members of Christ, are incorporated into the Church and made sharers in her mission. When an army wins a piece of land, soldiers raise a flag to declare that land as part of their country. Baptism is similar. It declares the person to be part of Christ.
Anyone at Holy Cross interested in being baptized and received into the Catholic faith is welcome to join our program.
Confirmation
Confirmation is the definitive calling down of the Holy Spirit onto a baptized person which completes the baptismal gift of grace. It enriches the recipient with a special strength of the Holy Spirit, unites the person more firmly to Christ, and usually completes the person's initiation into full membership in the Church.
At Holy Cross, any person who has not been Confirmed in the Catholic Church is welcome to join our program. Beginning in September, students spend two semesters of significant preparation to receive this sacrament. This includes a weekly meeting as well as other commitments.
Reconciliation/Penance/Confession
This is the sacrament of conversion and healing. It is God's special way of forgiving sins. Whose sins you forgive, they are forgiven. Whose sins you retain, they are retained, Jesus told the apostles (Jn. 20:23). Through apostolic succession, this responsibility has been passed down to the ordained bishops and priests serving today.
At Holy Cross, Wednesday evening is the scheduled time for this Sacrament.
Anointing of the Sick
The purpose of this sacrament is to heal and strengthen those who are physically sick. This healing may be spiritual or physical. (See Jas 5:14-15). It also gives spiritual strength to those who are suffering. If you become seriously sick or are facing a troubling medical operation, this sacrament is certainly available for you. You do NOT need to be at the point of death.
At Holy Cross, please contact the Director of Campus Ministry or the chaplain directly to arrange for a priest to administer this sacrament
Holy Matrimony
This sacrament is the sacred covenant forged between a man and a woman which establishes a permanent partnership of their whole lives. Ordered toward their own well being and the procreation and education of children, it is a mutual surrendering of oneself to one's spouse and to God. More than anything else, the spouse one chooses determines the direction and future of one's life.
Since Holy Cross College is not a Catholic parish, we don't do marriage prep. (But some people DO find their future spouses here!) If you're thinking of getting married, come see the Director of Campus Ministry and he can point you in the right direction.
Holy Orders
The unique mission, responsibility and authority that Christ entrusted specifically to his apostles has been passed on throughout the ages by means of this sacrament. Through this sacrament, a man can be ordained a bishop, priest or deacon.
At Holy Cross, if you feel called to this sacrament, we can put you in touch with some great people to help you discern. See the chaplain or Director of Campus Ministry for details.
Note: Though consecrated life as a Holy Cross brother or sister is not itself a sacrament, it IS a very cool lifestyle and an excellent way to live out one's own vocation. Consider that as an option too.
Eucharist
The Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist is the heart of the Catholic faith. (CCC #1324) Holy Mass makes present, here and now, the perpetual sacrifice offered by Christ on the cross for the redemption of all people. The Eucharist is the sign of the New Covenant established with God the Father by Christ on behalf of Christ's Church.
The word Catholic means universal. No longer restricted to a particular household (Noah), tribe (Abram), nation (Moses), or national kingdom (David), this New Covenant is the source of eternal salvation and the Good News is that it's available to everyone. (This is where the Catholic Church gets her name: the catholic invitation to be part of the New Covenant.) Just as the Jewish Passover is the renewal of the covenant made on Mount Sinai, the Mass is the renewal of the New Covenant forged on Calvary. (Certainly explains why Christ held the Last Supper on the feast of the Passover!) Thus, ever since, Catholics have renewed this covenant through the basic liturgical action of the Mass. By offering the Eucharist in an act of obedient faith, Catholics deliberately accept the salvation offered to all people by Christ.
Now there's more to salvation than going to Mass, but we can only see the fundamental importance of the Mass by understanding the covenant theology behind it. (Now doesn't it make sense that it's sinful for Catholics to miss Mass on Sunday. Sin is a break in one's relationship with God. Refusal to renew the covenant as Christ directed breaks this relationship too.)