How Do I Study for and Receive the Sacraments in the Catholic Church?

1. Baptism

The Sacrament of Baptism is the first sacrament any of us ever experience. Baptism first and foremost clears all sin from our soul. This is why we are baptized—we want the sin of Adam (original sin) washed away. Every human being apart from Jesus Christ and Mary (Immaculate Conception) was born with original sin. Through Baptism, original sin is washed away, and if we are baptized after having committed sins ourselves (actual sin), those sins are washed away as well along with any temporal punishments for them (CCC 1263). If we would die immediately after Baptism, our soul would go straight to Heaven.

Most Protestants view baptism as the covering up of our sins. That is not the correct theological understanding of baptism. Baptism completely washes the soul clean. We receive sanctifying grace, which raises us up to a supernatural level; Baptism regenerates and saves the person. In this respect, an indelible mark is placed on the soul that initiates him into the life of the Church, and allows him to receive the other Sacraments. Even if a baptized person goes to Hell, this mark will remain for all eternity on the soul.

Through Baptism we become sharers in the Divine Nature of the Blessed Trinity. We become sons of God and tabernacles of the Most Holy. Most literally, we become temples for the Holy Spirit. In Baptism, we are buried in Christ so that we might rise with Him (Romans 6:3-4). Jesus' entire mission from the Incarnation to the Cross was to redeem us and make us worthy of divine sonship. Through Baptism, we are "enlightened" and become a "son of light" (CCC 1216).

📍 How to Prepare: Use our Course Selector to find the right baptism preparation course for your situation. Or explore Baptism Prep for Parents & Godparents.

2. Penance (Confession / First Confession)

The Sacrament of Penance (Confession) is the sacrament by which we receive forgiveness of sins committed after Baptism. Through confession, we are reconciled to God and to the Church. This sacrament restores us to God's grace and is a powerful tool for spiritual growth and healing. In Confession, we confess our sins to a priest who stands in the place of Christ, and through the priest's absolution, our sins are forgiven.

📍 How to Prepare: Use our Course Selector for First Confession preparation (children, teens, or adults), or explore First Confession classes.

3. The Eucharist (Holy Communion)

The Eucharist—Holy Communion—is truly Jesus Christ's body, blood, soul, and divinity under the appearance of bread and wine. It is not a symbol of Christ, but rather, it is truly and really Jesus Christ! At the point in the Mass known as the consecration, the priest, acting in persona Christi, will say "This is my Body, which will be given up for you..." and "This is my Blood...". These were the words of Our Savior when He turned the bread and wine at the Last Supper into His Body and Blood, and by the divine power of God in the priesthood, the bread and wine become Jesus Christ.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church, a collection of all Catholic beliefs, calls the Eucharist the "source and summit of our faith" (1324). It is in that moment when we receive the Eucharist that our soul is in ecstasy because Christ is truly in us. We need Jesus Christ as He is the "...only way, truth, and life", and it is in the Most Holy Eucharist that the veil between Heaven and earth is the shortest and we receive Our Lord, Most High.

📍 How to Prepare: Use our Course Selector for First Communion preparation (children, teens, or adults with special needs), or explore First Communion classes.

4. Confirmation

The Holy Ghost (also called the Holy Spirit) is first introduced to a Catholic the day that he is baptized, because the entire Holy Trinity—Father, Son, and Holy Ghost—are invoked at the ceremony. During the sacred Confirmation ceremony, God the Holy Ghost comes upon the person, accompanied by God the Father and God the Son, just as He did at Pentecost. Upon Confirmation, you will receive the 7 gifts of the Holy Ghost present in your soul.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church explains, "It is evident from its celebration that the effect of the sacrament of Confirmation is the special outpouring of the Holy Spirit as once granted to the apostles on the day of Pentecost...Like Baptism which it completes, Confirmation is given only once, for it too imprints on the soul an indelible spiritual mark, the 'character,' which is the sign that Jesus Christ has marked a Christian with the seal of his Spirit by clothing him with power from on high so that he may be his witness."

📍 How to Prepare: Use our Course Selector for Confirmation preparation (varies by age). Or explore Confirmation classes, or Confirmation Sponsor class.

5. Holy Matrimony

The Sacrament of Holy Matrimony is the sacred covenant by which a man and woman are united in love before God and the Church. Marriage is a lifelong commitment to grow in holiness together and, God willing, to welcome new life into the world. Marriage preparation is essential to understanding the gravity and beauty of this sacrament.

Note: Most dioceses do require couples to have been confirmed before they receive the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony. This question is best directed to your priest who can advise on the implications of Canon Law (1065 §1) for your particular area of the country/world.

📍 How to Prepare: Explore How Do I Get Married in the Catholic Church?, or Marriage Prep & NFP courses.

6. Anointing of the Sick (Extreme Unction / Last Rites)

The Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick (also called Extreme Unction or Last Rites) is administered to those who are gravely ill or near death. This sacrament brings comfort, healing grace, and peace to those suffering, and prepares the soul for the journey to eternal life. It is a profound expression of Christ's love and the Church's care for the suffering.

📍 How to Receive: If you or a loved one is gravely ill, contact your local parish priest. He will administer this sacrament.

7. Holy Orders

The Sacrament of Holy Orders confers on men the grace and responsibility to serve the Church as deacons, priests, or bishops. Those called to Holy Orders dedicate their lives to the service of God's people and the continuation of Christ's mission. It is a profound calling to sanctity and sacrifice.

📍 How to Respond to the Call: If you sense a calling to religious life or the priesthood, speak with your parish priest or spiritual director.