Seven Sacraments Over the Center Arch
(from left to right)

BAPTISM - the sacrament of spiritual rebirth through which we are made children of God and heirs of Heaven. Water in baptism symbolizes the washing away of sin and the rising to newness of life. It also denotes innocence.

CONFIRMATION- the sacrament which confers the Holy Spirit to make us strong and perfect Christians and soldiers of Jesus Christ. A candle calls to mind Jesus' words, "I am the Light of the World" (John 8:12). Believers are also called to be the light of the world. The dove is a symbol of the Holy Spirit. It is taken from the story of Jesus' baptism, where the Spirit descended on him in the form of a dove. The dove is also a symbol of purity and peace. The crosier is regarded as the symbol of mercy, firmness and the correction of vices.

HOLY ORDERS- the sacrament of ordination, which empowers priests to offer the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, administer the sacraments, and officiate over all the other proper affairs of the Church. The key represents the authority of the church to forgive sin in Jesus' name. The maniple alludes to the rope which Christ was bound and led to Calvary and is symbolic of good works, vigilance and penitence.

EUCHARIST- the sacrament, also known as Holy Communion, which nourishes the soul with the true Flesh and Blood, Soul and Divinity of Jesus, under the appearance, or sacramental veil, of bread and wine. Grain is the eucharistic symbol used to suggest the human nature of Christ while the grapes symbolize the Blood of Christ. The chalice is a symbol of Holy Communion and the forgiveness of sin won by Christ's blood, shed on the cross. The host above the chalice contains the letters IHS which are the first three letters (iota, eta, sigma) of the Greek spelling of Jesus. Surrounded by an aureole it is symbolic of divinity and supreme power.

ANOINTING OF THE SICK- the sacrament sometimes called the Last Anointing, which strengthens the sick and sanctifies the dying. The ampulla is the vessel that contains the holy oil. The holy oil is symbolic of consecration. The crucifix is a symbol of Christ and a reminder of His sacrifice on the cross.

PENANCE AND RECONCILIATION- the sacrament, also known as Confession, through which Christ forgives sin and restores the soul to grace. The chalice is a symbol of Holy Communion and the forgiveness of sin won by Christ's blood, shed on the cross. The Latin cross reminds us of the supreme sacrifice offered by Jesus for the sins of the world. The cross is empty to remind us of the resurrection and the hope of eternal life. The stole symbolizes the yoke of Christ and the Christian duty of working loyally for His Kingdom and the hope of immortality. An open book represents truth or revelation.

MATRIMONY- As a sacrament, marriage is an act of worship, and expression of faith, a sign of the Church's unity, and a mode of Christ's presence. The mutual sacrifice and devotion of husband and wife is a true picture of Christ's sanctifying sacrifice and devotion to His Church symbolized by the cross. The circle, because it has no beginning or end, is symbolic of eternity. Entwined, the rings signify the joining together of two lives to create one.