Page 3 - The Sacraments

The Seven Sacraments
ABOUT THE SYMBOLS SHOWN HERE Each icon on this page will have a brief description that you can share with others. As you page through this resource, you’ll see these symbols repeated for each of the seven chapters dedicated to the sacraments.
EUCHARIST: The host and chalice are representative of the Body and Blood of Christ. Here we also see the golden rays representing God’s divine presence. The Cross reminds us of the sacrifice Jesus made for our salvation, through the offering of his Body and Blood on the Cross.
BAPTISM: The water drop dispersed by the shell represents the cleansing waters of Baptism. The shell has long been associated with Baptism, as a vessel
to pour water over a person’s head in Baptism. This icon alludes to an eight- sided baptismal font. In the Bible the number eight denotes a new creation
or new order. It also is symbolic of resurrection.
Sacraments of Initiation
In these sacraments, we meet Christ in profound ways and are initiated into the Christian life.
BAPTISM offers forgiveness of original sin and gives graces to begin a new life with Christ and the Church. It is the first sacrament.
CONFIRMATION strengthens and deepens life in Christ and equips Christians with graces and gifts of the Holy Spirit to be witnesses for Christ.
EUCHARIST is supernatural nourishment
in receiving the Body and Blood of Christ, to strengthen the Christian to follow Christ more closely.
CONFIRMATION: The dove represents the coming of the Holy Spirit. John the Baptist noted the Spirit’s presence “descending like a dove” at Jesus’ baptism (Mt 3:16). The golden rays suggest the Holy Trinity’s power and presence.
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Catechist The FAITH ESSENTIALS Series
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