There are a total of seven distinct Sacraments that are available for those in communion with the Church to receive. Each Sacrament is intended to provide the graces and blessings of Almighty God upon the recipient.
Some Sacraments may be recevied multiple times. In fact Catholics are encouraged to receive the Sacraments of Confession and Communion as often as possible to ensure a spiritually grace-filled life. Other Sacraments may only be received once, such as Baptism and Confirmation. This is because the grace and blessing of the Sacrament is so complete and total, the person is "sealed" or "forever marked spiritually" through the reception of the Sacrament.
In the instances of two of the Sacraments - Matrimony and Holy Orders - the Church believes that the bond formed in the Sacrament should be forever, without end. There are instances where the vows taken may, in fact, be severed. Such action, though, should not be taken lightly and the Church encourages all parties involved to seek a resolution that will sustain and enhance the vows taken for eternity. (Should that not be possible, and if you would like information on seeking a Marriage Annulment, you may contact the Tribunal at the Diocese of Metuchen: https://diometuchen.org/offices-and-ministries/the-tribunal/annulment-information/ )
The Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick is intended to provide a comfort and security to the recipient. This Sacrament may be administered more than once to an Individual who is seriously ill. However, such reception of the Sacrament should be done so with an effort to show respect and dignity to the purpose and intent of the Sacrament.
Please take a few moments to review the brief explanations of each Sacrament to attain a more complete understanding of the value, holiness, and signficance of each. We appreciate your interest in the Sacraments and hope this will offer you insight. For additional questions regarding any of the Sacraments, please contact our Director of Religious Education William Cherepon, who will be able to respond to your queries.