The sacraments are outward signs of saving inward grace
Each one decreed by Christ himself, redeemer of our race
He fashioned each to meet our needs, that’s why they’re not abstract
But tangible and earthly things our senses can extract!
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St. Ambrose said “O Christ…I see you in your sacraments…”
And used the words “I meet you…face to face” in truest sense
They’re personal encounters that are possible through faith
To grant us “life” that’s “to the full” as Christ himself does saith!
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BAPTISM
In baptism the soul is cleansed from Adam’s sin and shame
Through water and the calling of our God’s thrice-holy Name
Reborn as royal sons and daughters of our heav’nly King
Incorporated into Christ; now death hath lost its sting!
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PENANCE (aka RECONCILIATION/CONFESSION)
When penitents approach the priest, their sins to him confess
He giveth absolution and the sinner he doth bless
His power to forgive is given by the Lord Himself (Jn.20:23)
Who gives the grace to put off sin that maims or kills soul-health
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THE EUCHARIST
The source of all the Church’s life, the “Blessed Sacrament”
Upon the bread and wine, through priestly prayer God’s Spirit sent
Transforming them to Jesus’ Body and His Precious Blood
His hidden Presence here with us, our souls with grace to flood!
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CONFIRMATION
In Confirmation, Christ bestows His Holy Spirit’s pow’r
He seals us as His soldiers and makes holy courage flow’r
Obliging us more strictly to bear witness to the Lord
Perpetuating Pentecost, and urging kingdom forw’rd!
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HOLY MATRIMONY
For Holy Matrimony is a mirror of Christ’s love
Which He doth pour upon the Church, His “Bride” and precious “dove”
As covenant it mirrors too God’s love for Israel
Each spouse can from this sacrament draw grace as from a well!
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HOLY ORDERS
In Holy Orders men are chosen by the Will of God
In readiness for Gospel preaching bold their feet are shod
To nourish souls with Word and sacrament as Shepherds true
They fight off wolves and find lost sheep who sadly are not few!
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ANOINTING OF THE SICK
Anointing doth allow the Lord our illnesses to bear
Through priestly prayer we’re bidden in Christ’s saving work to share
Allowing us great fruit to bear through union with the Lord
Forgiveness, healing, strength, and peace is lavishly outpoured!
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The sacraments! They fill our souls with God’s own very life
Profusely granting charity, the balm for sin and strife
Conforming us to Christ, Who through the priest’s own hands doth bless
Empow’ring us to conquer Satan, hell, and selfishness!
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Oh loving Father, thank You for these vital means of grace
Do please dispose our hearts and minds to recognize the Face
Of Christ thy Son, though acting through weak ministers on earth,
In every sacrament, true foretastes of our heav’nly birth, Amen!