a) How are the different sacraments classified?
First, the “sacraments of Christian Initiation” put the foundations of our Christian life. These are the sacraments of Baptism (which is the beginning of a new life, the supernatural life), Confirmation (strengthening of this supernatural life), and Holy Eucharist (the Body and Blood of Christ given to us as spiritual food). Secondly, the “sacraments of Healing” continue the saving and healing work of Jesus Christ. These are the sacraments of Confession (forgiveness of sins committed after Baptism) and Anointing of the Sick (gives special help in difficulties related with grave illness or old age). Thirdly, the “sacraments of Service of Communion” are directed towards the salvation of others, by serving the community. These are the sacraments of Holy Orders (service to others through teaching, worship, and pastoral guidance) and Matrimony (mutual help between husband and wife, and to take care of the children).
Baptism and Confession are also called the “sacraments of the dead” because their chief purpose is to give supernatural life to souls spiritually dead through sin. The other five are also called the “sacraments of the living” because their chief purpose is to give more grace to souls which are already spiritually alive. The sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Orders, can be received only once because they imprint on the soul a spiritual mark, called a character, which lasts forever.
b) Why should an Altar Server know how the sacraments are classified?
knowing the classification of the sacraments makes an Altar Server more aware of their functions and how God showers abundant graces to help us follow him.
The Altar Server should often remind his friends that receiving a sacrament of the living while knowingly in a state of mortal sin makes one incapable of receiving God’s grace; moreover, the person commits another mortal sin, that of sacrilege, by treating a sacred thing with grave irreverence.