Each sacrament is an outward sign of an inward grace.

The seven sacraments

The seven sacraments:

  • Baptism,
  • Confirmation,
  • Holy Communion,
  • Confession,
  • Marriage,
  • Holy Orders
  • Anointing of the Sick

All of them are the life of the Catholic Church. Each sacrament is an outward sign of an inward grace. When we participate in them worthily, each provides us with graces, with the life of God in our soul. In worship, we give to God that which we owe Him; in the sacraments, He gives us the graces necessary to live a truly human life.

Baptism

The Baptism Window. From a shell comes living (moving) water. In the maritime world, shells were known to bring forth life and so early Christians used shells to perform the Sacrament of Baptism.

Confirmation

The symbol for the Sacrament of Confirmation is a seven-flamed fire coming from a lighted lamp. The fire with seven tips of flame symbolizes the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit: wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety and fear of the Lord. The lamp from which the fire emanates is an ancient symbol for the Jewish people of the divine presence.

Holy Communion

The Eucharist Window. The customary symbols of wheat and grapes are used to represent the bread and wine that become the Body and Blood of Christ. This window is at the center of the sacramental windows to show that the Eucharist is the center of our lives as Christians. The letters “IHC” in the host are the first three letters of the name of Jesus in a romanized Greek script.

Confession

The Penance Window. The crossed keys are the traditional sign of the Sacrament of Reconciliation and Penance. The “ministry of the keys” was entrusted to Peter by Jesus (see Mt 16:19). The sprig of hyssop is an ancient Jewish symbol used in the Old Testament to sprinkle blood or water upon people as a sign of being cleansed from all impurities in the sight of God.

Marriage

The Marriage Window. A cross entwined with two rings rooted in the human heart. The heart is a traditional sign of human love while the rings are linked as a sign that “the two shall become one.” The rings surround the cross to symbolize the sacrifice that Christ has made for his bride, the Church .

Holy Orders

The Holy Orders Window. The open book symbolizes the Bible and is opened so that the Word of Life may be proclaimed. It is covered with a priest’s stole and a pastoral staff. The candle reminds the ordained that they are to bear the light of Christ in their ministry. The letters “V-D-M-A” stand for the Latin phrase “Verbum Dei manet (in) aeternum” – “The Word of God is eternal.”

Anointing of the Sick

The Anointing Window. Symbolized by a vessel which holds olive oil. Olive branches also are employed as signs of peace. The Sacrament conveys the grace of peace and healing to the sick. The candle emphasizes the presence of Christ in the lives of the sick.

Image module