The sacraments are outward, visible signs instituted by Christ to impart God's grace to His people. They are not merely symbolic ceremonies; rather, Christ acts through them to strengthen, heal, forgive, and sanctify believers.

​

Baptism, the Eucharist, and Confirmation are known as Sacraments of Initiation, since they welcome the believer into the life of the Church, establishing them as a member of the Body of Christ and helping them to grow. Infant Baptisms are available every second Sunday of the month.

​

The Sacrament of Reconciliation and Anointing the Sick are known as Sacraments of Healing, since they restore our relationship with God and bring physical strength and health. 

​

Holy Orders and Matrimony are known as Sacraments at the Service of Holy Communion, since they build up the church and help others.

 

All of these sacraments are woven into the life of St Michael’s, with support given to every believer on their journey from baptism onward.

​

Baptism

Baptism is the basis of the entire Christian life, the gateway to life in the Spirit and the door that gives access to the other sacraments. Through Baptism, we are freed from sin and reborn as sons of God; we become members of Christ, are incorporated into the Church and made sharers in her mission: “Baptism is the sacrament of regeneration through water in the word.”

​​

Reconciliation 

The Sacrament of Reconciliation is about the mercy of Jesus Christ. Honestly confessing our sins reconciles us with God and restores us to His grace and intimate friendship. Confession breaks the power of shame and the hurt of sin and restores and revitalises our relationships within the community of faith in the life of our Church.

​

The Eucharist

While Jesus is present in many ways to His Church: in His word, in His Church’s prayer, in the poor, the sick, and the imprisoned, in the sacraments, in the sacrifice of the Mass, and in the person of the minister, he is present most especially in the Eucharistic.  At the moment of consecration, though God’s power, Jesus becomes fully present to us, Body, Blood, soul and divinity.

 

Christ instructed us to do this in His memory. The Eucharist is the memorial of His Passover and it is Christ himself, who, acting through the priest, offers the Eucharistic sacrifice. In receiving Communion, we increase our union with him, our venial sins are forgiven, and we are preserved from grave sins.

​

Confirmation

Confirmation is a significant sacrament that confirms a baptized person as a fully mature member of the Catholic Church. This sacred rite involves a new impartation of the Holy Spirit, which strengthens the gifts received at baptism, empowering individuals to live out their faith boldly and actively within the Church community.

​

Anointing of the Sick

The Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick extends a special grace on the Christian of spiritual strength, peace, and courage when facing grave illness or old age.  In addition it provides  for 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 their soul and the preparation for passing over to eternal life.

​

Marriage

Marriage is a covenant by which a man and a woman form with each other an intimate communion of life and love. The sacrament gives spouses the grace to love each other, perfects their human love, strengthens their unity, and sanctifies them on the way to eternal life.

 

Holy Orders

Holy Orders is a sacrament through which baptised men are ordained to serve as priests, deacons, or bishops, dedicated to the ministry and leadership of the Church.