The Seven Sacraments for Kids: Simple Explanations That Stick

The seven sacraments are Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist, Reconciliation, Anointing of the Sick, Holy Orders and Matrimony. For kids, the simplest way to explain them is this: a sacrament is a sign we can see that God uses to give us his grace, which we can’t see. Below are the seven sacraments for kids in plain words, grouped the way the Church groups them, with the sign of each and tips that help the lesson stick.

What is a sacrament?

The Catechism of the Catholic Church describes the sacraments as signs of grace, instituted by Christ and entrusted to the Church, through which God shares his own life with us. That’s a lot for a seven-year-old, so try this:

“God loves us so much that he gives us his help and his life. We can’t see grace, so Jesus gave us signs we can see, hear and touch, like water, oil, and bread and wine. When the Church celebrates a sacrament, God really is at work.”

Children grasp the sacraments best through their signs. Ask what you can see, hear, smell and touch in each one before you get to the definitions.

The seven sacraments for kids, in three groups

The Church groups the sacraments into three families. Learning the groups first makes all seven easier to remember.

Group	Sacraments	Kid-friendly idea
Sacraments of Initiation	Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist	Welcome to God’s family
Sacraments of Healing	Reconciliation, Anointing of the Sick	God forgives and heals
Sacraments at the Service of Communion	Holy Orders, Matrimony	Called to serve others

The Sacraments of Initiation

Baptism. The first sacrament and the doorway to the others. The priest or deacon pours water (or immerses the person in it) and baptizes in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Baptism washes away original sin and makes us children of God and members of the Church. Kid sentence: “Baptism is when you joined God’s family.” Many Catholics are baptized as babies; older children and adults are baptized too.

Confirmation. Confirmation strengthens the grace of Baptism and seals the person with the Gift of the Holy Spirit. The bishop, or a priest he delegates, lays hands on the person and anoints the forehead with sacred oil called chrism. Kid sentence: “Confirmation gives you the Holy Spirit’s strength to live your faith.”

Eucharist. At Mass, the bread and wine become the Body and Blood of Jesus. Receiving Communion unites us with Jesus and with one another. Kid sentence: “In the Eucharist, Jesus gives us himself.” Catholics can receive the Eucharist often, even every day.

The Sacraments of Healing

Reconciliation (also called Penance or Confession). We tell our sins to a priest, say we are sorry, and the priest gives absolution, God’s forgiveness, in the name of Jesus. Kid sentence: “Reconciliation is when God forgives us and we get a fresh start.” Children usually make their First Reconciliation before their First Communion.

Anointing of the Sick. A priest anoints a person who is seriously ill, elderly and weak, or facing serious surgery with the oil of the sick and prays for them. It brings strength, peace and comfort, and sometimes physical healing if God wills it. It isn’t only for people who are dying. Kid sentence: “When someone is very sick, Jesus comes close to help them through the priest.”

The Sacraments at the Service of Communion

Holy Orders. Through the laying on of hands by a bishop, a man is ordained a deacon, a priest or a bishop to serve the Church. Kid sentence: “Holy Orders is how men become deacons, priests and bishops.”

Matrimony. A baptized man and woman promise to love each other faithfully for life, and their marriage becomes a sign of God’s love. The couple give the sacrament to each other, and a priest or deacon witnesses it for the Church. Kid sentence: “In Matrimony, a husband and wife promise to love each other like God loves us.”

Which sacraments are received once, and when

Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Orders leave a permanent mark on the soul, so they are received only once. Eucharist and Reconciliation can be received again and again. Anointing of the Sick can be received more than once, for a new serious illness or when an illness gets worse.

The ages for First Reconciliation, First Communion and Confirmation vary. Many US dioceses celebrate First Communion around second grade. Confirmation ages range widely: some dioceses confirm teens, and others confirm children before or with First Communion. Eastern Catholic Churches give Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist together, even to infants. Adults who are becoming Catholic usually receive the Sacraments of Initiation through OCIA (formerly RCIA). Check with your parish for its schedule; our guide on what to expect in OCIA explains the adult process.

Ways to help kids remember the seven sacraments

• Count the signs. Water, chrism oil, bread and wine, the priest’s words of forgiveness, the oil of the sick, a bishop’s hands, a couple’s vows. Have kids match each sign to its sacrament.
• Make it personal. Look at baptism photos, find the date, and talk about godparents. Ask grandparents about their wedding day.
• Visit the church. Point out the baptismal font, the confessional and the tabernacle.
• Use the three groups as a memory hook: join, heal, serve.
• Keep a chart in sight. Our Seven Sacraments printable puts all seven on one reference sheet, grouped the way the Church groups them, with a short explanation of what each sacrament is and does. It prints in color or ink-friendly versions at US Letter or A4 and fits a catechist’s folder, a homeschool binder or a family wall.

Preparing a child for a sacrament this year? Our First Communion preparation at home guide has a parent’s plan, and the Saint Amelia’s Gift Boutique has crosses that make a lasting keepsake for the day. For more teaching tools, browse the Printables Library.

FAQ

What are the seven sacraments in order?

The Church usually lists them as Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist, Reconciliation, Anointing of the Sick, Holy Orders and Matrimony. Many US children receive them in the order Baptism, Reconciliation, Eucharist, then Confirmation, depending on their diocese.

Which sacraments can only be received once?

Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Orders. They leave a permanent spiritual mark, so they are never repeated.

What is the easiest way to teach kids the sacraments?

Start with the signs they can see and touch, then group the sacraments into three families: initiation, healing and service. Short sentences and family stories make it stick.

At what age do Catholic kids receive First Communion and Confirmation?

It varies by diocese. First Communion often happens around second grade. Confirmation may come in childhood or the teen years, so ask your parish.