The sacraments are efficacious signs instituted by Christ through which the power of his saving grace comes to us. “Efficacious” means the sacraments bring about what they symbolize. Thus the symbolic washing in Baptism brings about a spiritual cleansing that removes all sin and elevates the Christian to share in “the divine nature” (2Pet 1:4).
Although the sacraments were entrusted to the Church and ministered through the Church, it is vital to recognize that the sacraments are primarily the work of Christ through the Holy Spirit. They are the ordinary means Jesus gave his Church through which men experience the dynamic transformation of his saving grace. The sacraments have power because they flow from the saving work of Jesus Christ.
Your child’s First Sacraments of Reconciliation and Holy Eucharist are a unique, intimate encounter with Jesus. What is vital to your child’s interior growth is the formation by word and example they receive from you, their parents! In this way, we strive to affirm and accompany you, as you live out your vocation and form your children's faith.
In the Archdiocese of New Orleans, preparation for the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Holy Eucharist takes place within the parish setting, under the direction of the Office of Religious Education, ordinarily when the child is in the second grade, age 7 or 8. One year of preparation in parish should begin at least one year prior.
The Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults is the process for initiation into the Catholic Church.
Liturgy refers to the official public worship of the Church. Therefore, in one sense it refers to the whole complex of official worship services, rites, ceremonies, prayers and sacraments of the Church in contrast to private devotions. However, in a more restricted sense the word liturgy refers to the Church’s chief act of worship – the sacrifice of the Holy Eucharist, which is commonly called the Mass. In the Mass, Christ the head, makes present to us his unique sacrifice on the cross.