Readings on the Complementary Nature of the Sacraments

There are numerous resources available online, primarily from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops and writings of recent popes to help you not only facilitate your classroom discussion regarding the complementary nature of the sacraments, but also to contribute to your own knowledge about the sacramental life. Whether or not you teach a particular course on the Seven Sacraments, these readings can contribute to a foundational source essential for a curriculum with a Christological focus.

These following referenced sources can also be assigned to your students, either in their entirety, or in a validly excerpted fashion, depending on the scope of your course. At least one resource is listed for each sacrament. You are encouraged to seek more worthwhile resources that similarly portray the Seven Sacraments accurately and objectively.

The Sacraments in General

“The Seven Sacraments of the Church” from the CCC (Make sure to use the arrows at the bottom of the webpage to navigate within this section of the CCC in order to discover the coverage of each of the seven sacraments.)

“Sacraments and Sacramentals” by the USCCB

“Sacraments and Social Mission: Living the Gospel, Being Disciples” by the USCCB

“The Seven Sacraments” by Loyola Press

The Sacrament of Baptism

“Baptism: Incorporated into Christ's Body, Sent on Christ's Mission” by the USCCB

The Sacrament of Confirmation

“Confirmation: Strengthened by the Spirit, Called to Action” by the USCCB

The Mass and the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist

“Order of Mass” by the USCCB

“Parts of the Mass” by the USCCB

“The Eucharistic Liturgy: Formed, Transformed, and Sent” by the USCCB

“Mass and Liturgy” by Loyola Press

“Eucharist and Social Mission: Body of Christ, Broken for the World” by the USCCB

Saint Pope John Paul II's Encyclical Letter Ecclesia Eucharistia: On the Eucharist and Its Relationship to the Church (2003)

Blessed Pope Paul VI's Encyclical Letter Mysterium Fidei: On the Holy Eucharist (1965)

The Sacrament of Penance / Reconciliation

“Penance and Reconciliation: Reconciled to Right Relationship, Called to Heal and Restore” by the USCCB

Saint Pope John Paul II's Apostolic Exhortation Reconciliatio et Paenitentia (1984)

The Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick

“Anointing of the Sick: Joined to Christ, Witnesses of Hope and Healing” by the USCCB

The Sacrament of Holy Matrimony

“Marriage: United in Love, Strengthened for Service” by the USCCB

Pastoral Letter “Marriage: Love and Life in the Divine Plan” by the USCCB

The Sacrament of Holy Orders 

“Holy Orders: Ordained to Serve, Gather, Transform, and Send” by the USCCB

Saint Pope John Paul II's Apostolic Exhortation Pastores Dabo Vobis: On the Formation of Priests in the Circumstances of the Present Day (1992)