"The Sacraments are not mere appearances, they are not rituals; they are the power of Christ.  Jesus Christ is present in the Sacraments."  - Pope Francis

Baptism, First Holy Communion, Reconciliation, Confirmation, Holy Matrimony, Holy Orders, and The Anointing of the Sick -- as Catholics we are familiar with the Sacraments and see them as mileposts in our lives of faith.  As Pope Francis reminds us, the Sacraments are not simply observances;  they are portals through which the Lord brings us the power and grace that flow from His Death and Resurrection. Each Sacrament wonderfully opens us to a personal encounter with Jesus.