Next Step Journal
7 Sacraments
WELCOME TO Next Step
The Sacraments are a beautiful part of our Catholic faith! Our goal with this
segment of your Confirmation preparation is to help you best understand what each
sacrament means to the Catholic Church as well as your own personal life journey.
Many times we see each Sacrament as just another thing to check off our “faith todo” list, when in reality it is a responsibility and gift from God to help enhance our
faith and fulfill His will.
With our NEXT STEP guide we ask that you take a closer look at why we as Catholics
celebrate each Sacrament, what it means to you, and how it is the NEXT STEP in
building a closer relationship with God.
HOW TO USE NEXT STEP
To truly understand and study each sacrament in depth, we would need years,
probably a lifetime. So in this journal we are only going to highlight some of the
major characteristics, aspects and rites of the 7 sacraments. We will give you some
biblical passages that are the source for these gifts, and questions to help you reflect
on God’s intricate plan to bring us closer to Him. If after this guide you want to dive
deeper we encourage you to look in the Catechism of the Catholic Church 2nd
Edition.
GENERAL OVERVIEW
The Sacraments are split up into three categories:
1. Initiation (Baptism, Holy Communion and Confirmation)
2. Healing (Reconciliation and Anointing of the Sick)
3. Sacraments at the Service of Holy Communion (Marriage and Holy Orders).
THE SACRAMENTS OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION
These Sacraments are Baptism, Holy Communion and Confirmation. Each
signifies a specific moment in our faith journey where we deepen our commitment
to following Christ and living out the path God has created for us. Many times these
Sacraments are viewed as an obligation, something to check off the list, a
requirement in order to be seen as a full member of the Church.
Even though these three sacraments are viewed as a necessity in our Catholic faith
they are more of a gift than an obligation. As Catholics we view:
The sacraments of Christian initiation—Baptism, Confirmation, and the Eucharist—
lay the foundations of every Christian life. "The sharing in the divine nature given to
men through the grace of Christ bears a certain likeness to the origin, development,
and nourishing of natural life. The faithful are born anew by Baptism, strengthened by
the sacrament of Confirmation, and receive in the Eucharist the food of eternal life. By
means of these sacraments of Christian initiation, they thus receive in increasing
measure the treasures of the divine life and advance toward the perfection of charity."
- 1212 CCC 2nd Edition
Just as we need food and exercise for physical growth, we need these Sacraments to
help us grow spiritually. By receiving each of these sacraments you are not only
growing, but deepening your commitment and relationship with Christ.
THE SACRAMENTS OF HEALING
These sacraments are Reconciliation and Anointing of the Sick. As we grow
deeper in our faith and travel our life journey we are faced with many obstacles,
temptations and decisions that can hurt us emotionally, spiritually and physically.
On our life journeys, we are all vulnerable to evil and sin. Jesus came to help the
poor, heal the sick and most importantly die for the sins of the world.
If you physically get hurt you often need to go to the doctor to receive the necessary
care to heal and get better. Even in moments of death we can receive medical care
that will ease our pain and help us through the process. Both of the healing
sacraments work to heal our soul, heart and most importantly our relationship with
God and others. These sacraments are about cleansing us of the sin that damages
our bodies and souls.
THE SACRAMENTS AT THE SERVICE OF HOLY COMMUNION
The Sacraments at the Service of Communion are Marriage and Holy Orders. God
created us for a purpose and each day calls us to fulfill that purpose. In the
Sacraments at the Service of Communion we are called to grow and strengthen our
faith while evangelizing.
While both sacraments call people to different lifestyles they are responsible for
encouraging people to maintain relationships with Christ and others while
continuing the movement of the Church.
The Sacraments of Christian Initiation
Baptism
For most of us we were baptized as an infant, so much of the preparation was done
by our parents and Godparents. So why is this sacrament so important, why can’t
we just say we love God and that we will commit ourselves to Christ?
Read John 3:1-7
1. What thoughts went through your mind when you read “no one can enter the
kingdom of God without being born through water and the Spirit”? Are you
troubled by this statement?
2. Why do you feel it is important to be born through water and Spirit? Why is
water so symbolic to this Sacrament?
Read Matthew 3 - 4:11
3. How do you believe Jesus’ baptism affects the temptation that takes place in the
desert?
Read Acts 2:37-38
4. How does the sacrament of Baptism symbolize initiation into a community?
5. How have you felt a part of the Catholic/Christian community? What benefits
does it provide in your life?
7 POINTS TO REMEMBER
Here are 7 points you can remember about Baptism to help you take the NEXT STEP
in your faith:
1. Through Baptism, every Christian shares in Jesus’ mission as priest, prophet
and king.
2. At our Baptism, we become members of the Body of Christ.
3. We receive God’s life or sanctifying grace at our Baptism.
4. Holy Baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life.
5. Baptism is God’s most beautiful and magnificent gift.
6. The primary symbol of Baptism is water.
7. In Baptism there is an exorcism which is the Church’s way of destroying the
influence of the devil.
Holy Communion
Each week we go to Mass to receive Communion, and as Catholics we believe that
through transubstantiation the bread and wine that we break becomes the actual
Body and Blood of Christ. Pretty crazy huh? But this is what Jesus told us at the Last
Supper. We receive Holy Eucharist each week to remember Jesus’ death, to unite as
a community and to renew and strengthen our commitment to the Church we joined
through Baptism.
Read Luke 22:13-20
What feelings do you think were going through the minds of the disciples as they sat
with Jesus at Passover?
How would you feel if you were asked to have dinner with Jesus?
How is going to Mass like being invited to eat and drink with Jesus?
Read 1 Corinthians 11:17-34
Paul is telling the Corinthians how important it is to examine ourselves before we
receive the body and blood of Christ. In what ways do you examine yourself before
Mass each Sunday?
Paul tells the Corinthians to wait for one another before receiving the Eucharist. In
your opinion what is the significance of this instruction?
7 POINTS TO REMEMBER
1.
2.
3.
4.
The Eucharist is “the source and summit of the Christian Life.”
The Eucharist is the sum and summary of our faith.
God instituted the Eucharist as the memorial of his death and Resurrection.
We consider the Eucharist as thanksgiving and praise to the Father; the
sacrificial memorial of Christ and his Body; the presence of Christ by the
power of his word and of his Spirit.
5. The offering of Christ not only unites the members still here on earth but also
those already in the glory of heaven.
6. Holy Communion separates us from sin.
7. Communion renews, strengthens, and deepens this incorporation into the
Church, already achieved by Baptism.
Confirmation
You are preparing for Confirmation, but do you really know what you are preparing
for? I’m sure you do, but just to make it clear what Confirmation actually is, you are
going to have to look at the actual word. Yep, that’s right you are confirming
something…and yep, that’s right again, you are confirming your faith. So how do we
do that? This last step in the initiation process is pretty much finalizing what’s been
started. In Baptism you are introduced to the Holy Spirit and the Church
community, and through Confirmation you live it.
Read Acts Chapter 2
What effect did the Holy Spirit have on the disciples?
When the people asked the apostles and Peter “What are we to do, my brothers?”,
Peter responds with some instruction. As Confirmed Catholics we are asked to
guide others in the same direction; what in your opinion do you think that entails?
How do you feel the role of a Confirmed Catholic is different than a non-Confirmed
Catholic?
Read Ephesians 1:13-14
How is being Confirmed like a pledge to God?
When confirmed in what way do you wish to spread the Good News of the Lord?
7 POINTS TO REMEMBER
1. After being confirmed you are given greater power to worship God, to
support others in faith and to serve others.
2. When receiving Confirmation the Church should be seen as your family.
3. The confirmed receives the “mark”, the seal if the Holy Spirit.
4. Confirmation brings an increase and deepening of baptismal grace.
5. Confirmation should be thought as furthering your relationship with Christ
and becoming closer to him.
6. One should be in a state of grace in order to receive Confirmation.
7. When receiving the sacrament of Confirmation one must be prepared to
assume the role of disciple and witness to Christ.
The Sacraments of Healing
Reconciliation
Saying sorry can be one of the hardest things for us to do. Not only do we want to
avoid guilt, we want to keep away the pain and suffering that goes along with it.
When we make bad decisions we not only hurt the relationships we have with
others, we also hurt our relationship with God.
By committing sin and going against God’s will we create a void in our lives. When
you sin you are actually pushing yourself away from God, you are pushing yourself
away from the most powerful, unconditional love ever known...so how do we
reestablish that connection? Through Reconciliation.
With this section of the booklet we are going to ask you to take a more active role.
Below are a few points to reflect on and then we encourage you to participate in the
Sacrament. If you are feeling intimidated please ask your Mentor, Sponsor, parent,
or Youth Minister for help.
“Whoever confesses his sins… is already working with God. God indicts yours sins; if
you also indict them, you are joined with God. Man and sinner are, so to speak, two
realities; When you hear “man” – this is what God has made; when you hear “sinner” –
this is what man himself has made. Destroy what you have made, so that God may
save what he has made…. When you begin to abhor what you have made, it is then that
your good works are beginning since you are accusing yourself of your evil works. The
beginning of good works is the confession of evil works. You do the truth and come to
the light.”
- 1458 Catechism of the Catholic Church 2nd Edition
WHAT TO KNOW
There are four parts to Reconciliation:
• Contrition: Being sorry for your sins.
•
Confession: Telling your sins to the priest.
•
Penance: Doing what you can to make up for the sin.
•
Reconciliation gives us actual grace so that we are strengthened to avoid sin
in the future.
“The Spirit is the guarantee that we shall receive what God has promised his people,
and this assures us that God will give complete freedom to those who are his. Let us
praise his glory!” Ephesians 1:14
Jesus gave Bishops and Priests the power to forgive our sins:
“Then he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive people’s
sins, they are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.” Jn. 20:22-23
WHAT TO DO
Spend 5-10 minutes:
Reflect on the mistakes you have made that have hurt your relationship with God.
Write a letter asking for God’s forgiveness, seal it and reflect on the words you have
written.
Schedule a time with a priest to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation. During
Reconciliation you will:
•
•
•
•
•
Greet the priest
Tell the priest your sins. (ex. Father I am sorry for my sins I have…)
He will then advise you on how to overcome your sins and how to seek
Penance.
He will then ask you to make an Act of Contrition: My God, I am sorry for my
sins with all my heart. In choosing to do wrong and failing to do good, I have
sinned against you whom I should love above all things. I firmly intend, with
your help, to do penance, to sin no more, and to avoid whatever leads me to sin.
Our Savior Jesus Christ suffered and died for us. In his name, my God, have
mercy.
He will then speak the following words over you: God, the Father of mercies,
through the death and the resurrection of his Son has reconciled the world to
himself and sent the Holy Spirit among us for the forgiveness of sins; through
the ministry of the Church may God give you pardon and peace, and I absolve
you from your sins in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy
Spirit. Amen!
Anointing of the Sick
How do we deal with sickness and death? It can be such a difficult thing to go
through because it is unpredictable, it can turn our lives upside down, we want to
make sure that the people we love are taken care of, and that we aren’t leaving
anything undone. The Sacrament of Anointing gives us the grace and courage we
need to help us through these trying times.
WHAT TO KNOW
Anointing of the Sick is a Sacrament intended to strengthen and heal (spiritually
and/or physically) those who are being tried by illness or who are near death. The
Church believes and confesses that among the seven sacraments there is one
especially intended to strengthen those who are being tried by illness: the Anointing
of the Sick. Christ asks us to believe in Him in order to be healed and saved.
Through this sacrament one receives many gifts.
This sacred anointing of the sick was instituted by Christ our Lord as a true and proper
sacrament of the New Testament. It is alluded to indeed by Mark, but is recommended
to the faithful and promulgated by James the apostle and brother of the Lord.125
- 1511 Catechism of the Catholic Church 2nd Edition
Read Mark 5:21-43 (Jairus’ Daughter and the Hemorrhaging Woman)
The Lord Jesus Christ, physician of our souls and bodies, who forgave the sins of the
paralytic and restored him to bodily health, has willed that his Church continue, in the
power of the Holy Spirit, his work of healing and salvation, even among her own
members. This is the purpose of the two sacraments of healing: the sacrament of
Penance and the sacrament of Anointing of the Sick.
- 1421 Catechism of the Catholic Church 2nd Edition
The special grace of the sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick has as its effects:
the uniting of the sick person to the passion of Christ, for his own good and that of the
whole Church; the strengthening, peace, and courage to endure in a Christian manner
the sufferings of illness or old age; the forgiveness of sins, if the sick person was not
able to obtain it through the sacrament of Penance; the restoration of health, if it is
conducive to the salvation of his soul; the preparation for passing over to eternal life.
1532 Catechism of the Catholic Church 2nd Edition
WHAT TO DO
Take 5-10 Minutes
Reflect on a time when you felt ill and received love and care from a friend or a
family member.
Take a moment to write a letter or card to a family member or friend you know who
may be ill or in old age. Let them know that you are thinking of them and that they
are in your prayers. This small gesture can make a large impact.
The Sacraments at the Service of Communion
Two other sacraments, Holy Orders and Matrimony, are directed towards the salvation
of others; if they contribute as well to personal salvation, it is through service to others
that they do so. They confer a particular mission in the Church and serve to build up
the People of God.
-1534 Catechism of the Catholic Church 2nd Edition
Marriage
We are always seeking to be connected to someone. God created us to have a
relationship with Him, but also with others. There may come a time in your life
when you fall in love with another individual, and feel as if you are called to spend
the rest of your life with them. How is that possible? Our faith tells us that marriage
is a union meant to continue God’s mission of honoring Him and loving our
neighbors. Marriage is a connection in love, where you grow in faith together and
raise a family to carry on the Good News.
REFLECTING ON THIS:
God created Marriage so a couple could start a family, have children and continue to
spread God’s Good News.
Do you agree that marriage is about starting a family or do you believe people can
get married for other reasons? If so, what are those other reasons?
How is starting a family “cooperating” with God’s love? How is God’s love
symbolized in marriage?
How does knowing marriage is a mission to educate and produce life affect your
point of view?
There have always been threats to the union of marriage. Divorce is breaking your
promise to God, your spouse, and your children.
What obstacles do you see in marriage these days?
What fears do you have about marriage?
Do you agree with the Church’s stance that divorce is wrong? Under what
circumstances should it be okay?
Is divorce avoidable? If so how?
Husbands love your wives, just as Christ loved the Church and gave his life for it.
Ephesians 5:14
In what way can you draw Christ’s love for the Church to the love a husband has for
his wife? Is this realistic?
Marriage will be an efficacious sign of Christ’s presence.
“To heal the wounds of sin, man and woman need the help of the grace that God in his
infinite mercy never refuses them. Without his help man and woman cannot achieve
the union of their lives for which God created them “in the beginning.”
1608 Catechism of the Catholic Church 2nd Edition
What do you think is the most important thing a man and a woman can do in
marriage?
Called to give life, spouses share in the creative power and fatherhood of God.154
"Married couples should regard it as their proper mission to transmit human life and
to educate their children; they should realize that they are thereby cooperating with
the love of God the Creator and are, in a certain sense, its interpreters. They will fulfill
this duty with a sense of human and Christian responsibility."155
2367 Catechism of the Catholic Church 2nd Edition
If marriage is the ultimate sign of love between a man and a woman should it be
easy, with little work, or difficult, with many trials?
Every man experiences evil around him and within himself. This experience makes
itself felt in the relationships between man and woman. Their union has always been
threatened by discord, a spirit of domination, infidelity, jealousy, and conflicts that can
escalate into hatred and separation. This disorder can manifest itself more or less
acutely, and can be more or less overcome according to the circumstances of cultures,
eras, and individuals, but it does seem to have a universal character.
1606 Catechism of the Catholic Church 2nd Edition
A NEXT STEP TO TAKE:
There is a lot of information to each sacrament, especially marriage. Unlike the
Sacraments of Initiation and Healing; Marriage vs. Holy Orders is a major choice in
many people’s lives. To find out more about what the Catholic Church says about
Marriage please read the Catechism of the Catholic Church and go to section 2: The
Celebration of the Christian Mystery and under Chapter 3 you will find more on
Marriage.
Also if you are interested in talking to one of our Sponsor couples here at St.
Alphonsus, please speak with your Confirmation Mentor.
Holy Orders
Years ago I heard a talk from a holy Catholic priest about his call to the priesthood.
He said, “I think I would have been a great husband and father. But it’s those same
characteristics and ability to love that are helping me become a great priest.” In our
world there is a great need for men and women to dedicate their lives to God.
Priests and other religious vocations are here to feed God’s people, and they are
here to guide us (God’s Church) to have a deeper, more powerful and fulfilling
relationship with God. In marriage we are dedicated to serve our spouse, but in the
religious life we are dedicated to serve God and His people, living out His mission to
honor and serve Him by evangelizing, connecting and growing His Church. So who
are these people that dedicate themselves totally to God? And could you be one of
them?
REFLECTING ON THIS:
Priests are here to lead and feed God’s people. There are two types of priesthood;
the Common Priesthood of all believers, and the Hierarchical Priesthood that a
priest receives in the sacrament of Holy Orders.
Jesus came up and spoke to them. He said, 'All authority in heaven and on earth has
been given to me. Go, therefore, make disciples of all nations; baptize them in the
name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teach them to observe all
the commands I gave you. And look, I am with you always; yes, to the end of time.'
Matthew 28:18-20
The Church is made up of God’s people; however, Jesus appointed certain people to
act as leaders. What benefits does this give the Church, and why do you think the
Church is structured this way?
In your opinion how does the responsibility of the priesthood differ from the
responsibility of a lay (non-ordained) person? In other words, can anyone do the
work of a priest?
No one claims this office for himself, he is called to it by God. CCC #1578
As he was walking by the Lake of Galilee he saw two brothers, Simon, who was called
Peter, and his brother Andrew; they were making a cast into the lake with their net, for
they were fishermen. And he said to them, 'Come after me and I will make you fishers of
people.' And at once they left their nets and followed him. Matthew 4:18-20
Have you ever felt called into some type of religious life (priest, nun, religious
brother and sisters)? Do you feel tempted to ignore this calling? If so why?
Is it unfair for only men to be called to the priesthood? Does it make sense when the
Church is referred to as the bride of Christ? What struggles do you have in accepting
this belief?
Jesus gave priests the power to forgive sins, baptize and bring about or confect the
Eucharist.
Holy Orders is the sacrament through which the mission entrusted by Christ to his
apostles continues to be exercised in the Church until the end of time: thus it is the
sacrament of apostolic ministry. It includes three degrees: episcopate, presbyterate,
and diaconate.
1536 Catechism of the Catholic Church 2nd Edition
Christ himself chose the apostles and gave them a share in his mission and authority.
Raised to the Father's right hand, he has not forsaken his flock but he keeps it under
his constant protection through the apostles, and guides it still through these same
pastors who continue his work today.61 Thus, it is Christ whose gift it is that some be
apostles, others pastors. He continues to act through the bishops.A#62
1575 Catechism of the Catholic Church 2nd Edition
"Only a baptized man (vir) validly receives sacred ordination."66 The Lord Jesus chose
men (ver) to form the college of the twelve apostles, and the apostles did the same
when they chose collaborators to succeed them in their ministry.67 The college of
bishops, with whom the priests are united in the priesthood, makes the college of the
twelve an ever-present and ever-active reality until Christ's return. The Church
recognizes herself to be bound by this choice made by the Lord himself. For this reason
the ordination of women is not possible.68
1577 Catechism of the Catholic Church 2nd Edition
“The ordinary ministers of Baptism are the bishop and priest…”
1256 Catechism of the Catholic Church 2nd Edition
“Indeed bishops and priest, by virtue of the sacrament of Holy Orders, have the power
to forgive all sins ‘in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.’”
1461 Catechism of the Catholic Church 2nd Edition
“But ‘the members do not all have the same function.’ Certain members are called by
God, in and through the Church, to a special service of the community. These servants
are chosen and consecrated by the sacrament of Holy orders, by which the Holy Spirit
enables them to act in the person of Christ the head, for the service of all the members
of the Church. The ordained minister is as it were, and “icon” of Christ the Priest. Since
it is in the Eucharist that the sacrament the Church is made fully visible, it is in his
presiding at the Eucharist that the Bishop’s ministry is most evident, as well as, in
communion with him, the ministry of priests and deacons.”
1142 Catechism of the Catholic Church 2nd Edition
What image do you get in your mind when you hear priests are given power to
forgive sins, etc?
Knowing that religious (in particular priest) have this much responsibility, how
does it shape your perception of this sacrament?
A NEXT STEP TO TAKE:
There is a lot of information when it comes to Holy Orders, and this booklet cannot
cover it all. To read more about what the Catholic Church says about Marriage
please refer to the Catechism of the Catholic Church section 2: The Celebration of
the Christian Mystery. In Chapter 3 you will find more on Holy Orders.
Another step you can take is by visiting www.vocationnetwork.org/match which is
an online inventory for discerning a vocation. It takes about 20 minutes to
complete, and it helps match various options for a discerner. It is a great exercise to
complete to help you think. Of course there is a chance to sign up at the end, but you
can skip this portion unless you want more information.
Taking the Next Step in Your Faith
Now that you’ve completed the formal side of preparation for Confirmation we
encourage you to go back through all the habits and reflect on the ones that came
easily to you and the ones that were a bit of a struggle. For the ones that were
simple, ask yourself, “How can I go deeper in this habit, how can I fine-tune in order
to become better at [enter habit here].” For the habits that were a struggle ask
yourself, “What is holding me back or preventing me from truly embracing this
habit?”
Even though this is the end of your immediate preparation for Confirmation, it isn’t
the end of your faith journey! You have the opportunity to grow and go deeper and
we ask that you not “starve yourself” of the spiritual fuel these habits can provide.
Many members of the St. Alphonsus Liguori family have worked hard to nourish you
spiritually and support your growth in Christ. Please accept this support as our best
gift to you, which we hope will encourage you throughout your life, and pick you up
when you fall on hard times. Whether it is next year or 60 years from now, we hope
that you always remember and feel connected to the loving and powerful body of
Christ, because together we can live a wonderful life for God. We are so proud of
you and love you all.
Peace and God Bless,
Paul and Alexa Sifuentes
Co-Directors of Youth Ministry
St. Alphonsus Liguori Catholic Church