tism, Confirmation, and Holy Orders imprint what is called a character upon the soul—a spiritual mark which remains for ever—and hence they can be received but once.
Besides the sanctifying grace common to all the Sacraments, God has annexed to each a particular Sacramental grace, which is a special help to enable us to perform the duties and attain the end for which each Sacrament was instituted—e.g., 1. Shortly after we come into the world we are made the children of God by Baptism. 2. As we grow up we are fortified for the combats against our spiritual enemies which we have to undrergo, and are made soldiers of Christ, by Confirmation. 3. The Holy Eucharist is the daily bread which feeds and nourishes our souls to everlasting life. 4. If unhappily we fall in the spiritual conflict, Penance is the remedy which restores life to the soul. 5. In Matrimony special graces are provided to sanctify and assuage the cares of the married state. 6. Holy Orders keeps up the succession of pastors in the Church, and enables them to faithfully discharge their sacred functions. 7. When the Christian soul is on the verge of Eternity, it is strengthened and comforted by the refreshing graces of Extreme Unction, so that the Christian warrior may not be vanquished at the last.
