Articles on the Sacraments

Ah, the good old days, where we could gather with family and friends, go to concerts or sports events, eat out at restaurants or bars, attend Mass in a crowded church, or have a priest drop by your hospital room for a visit and/or to...

I recently got a call from a more-than-persistent lady to visit her Vietnamese father, who was unbaptized.   I explained to the daughter that with the current hospital regulations, I could only go if he wants me there. I had met him a...

A “Rite” is defined as a formal and/or religious ceremony which involves specific words and actions.   The term “Last Rites” then refers to several different ceremonies – or sacraments – that are administered towards the end of a person’s...

During Anointing of the Sick (found in the Rite of Pastoral Care of the Sick), a priest first blesses the olive oil (if it is not already blessed) and then uses the blessed oil to anoint the person.  The priest first anoints the forehead,...

Unfortunately, there are still some misconceptions among the faithful about the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick.  Some still call it “Extreme Unction” and assume it is only intended for those who are dying.  The Catechism of the...

In the early Church, the three Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation and Communion) were celebrated together regardless of the person’s age – from infancy to old age.  However, by the fifth century, these sacraments were...

Marriage is a Charism.  St Paul says “Each has their – gift one for marriage, one for virginity.” Marriage is a gift of the Spirit. Someone might be married but are they living marriage in a charismatic way?  St Paul describes charisms as...