As an expert in religious studies, I can provide an in-depth answer to your question regarding the sacraments that are received only once according to the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church. The sacraments are considered the means by which the grace of God is conveyed to the faithful, and they are an integral part of the life of a Catholic. There are seven sacraments in total, which are Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist, Penance (or Reconciliation), Anointing of the Sick, Holy Orders, and Matrimony.

Among these sacraments, Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Orders are unique because they leave an indelible mark, also known as a sacramental character, on the soul of the recipient. This mark is a spiritual seal that signifies the recipient's new status within the Church and their commitment to a particular role or function within the Christian community.


1. Baptism: This is the first sacrament that a person receives and is the gateway to all the other sacraments. It is the sacrament of initiation into the Christian community. Through Baptism, a person is cleansed of original sin and becomes a member of the Church. It is a one-time sacrament because it signifies a complete and irreversible transformation of the individual's soul.


2. Confirmation: This sacrament is a continuation of Baptism and is typically received during adolescence or adulthood. It strengthens the grace received at Baptism and bestows the gifts of the Holy Spirit, which enable the confirmed person to be a mature and effective witness to Christ in the world. Like Baptism, Confirmation is received only once, as it represents a lifelong commitment to the Christian faith.


3. Holy Orders: This sacrament is reserved for those who are called to serve the Church in a ministerial capacity. It includes three levels: bishop, priest, and deacon. The sacrament of Holy Orders is conferred only once for each level, as it marks a permanent and exclusive dedication to the service of the Church.

It is important to note that while the Eucharist, Penance, Anointing of the Sick, and Matrimony can be received multiple times, they are no less important in the life of a Catholic. Each sacrament serves a distinct purpose and contributes to the spiritual growth and well-being of the individual and the community.

In conclusion, the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Orders are the ones by which a person can receive only once in their lifetime. These sacraments are of utmost importance as they leave an indelible mark on the soul and signify a lifelong commitment to the Christian faith and service to the Church.

read more >>

According to Roman Catholic Church teaching, a sacramental character is an indelible spiritual mark (the meaning of the word character in Latin) imprinted by three of the seven sacraments: Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Orders.read more >>