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Practices

The Sacraments Communion bread and wine Baptism

Various Christian churches recognize up to seven sacred rites called sacraments. Among these, the most universal are the water initiation rite of baptism and the sharing of bread and wine in the ritual known as Communion or the Eucharist (also known as the "Lord's Supper"). Other Christian rites include confimation, a coming of age ceremony for young people usually between the ages of 12 and 16; the rite of marriage referred to as holy matrimony; and ordination, the official recognition of someone as a new priest or minister. In Catholic churches, the Christians also confess their sins to the priest in the rite of reconciliation. Then the priest will usually instruct the person to do some act of penance, such as reciting ten "Hail Mary" prayers. The seventh sacrament is annointing of the sick and dying ("last rites").

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Evangelism & living the Christian Life

Many Christians feel that it is their duty to spread the "good news" about salvation through Christ Jesus and do this in various ways. Evangelism is simply spreading the Gospel message. This may be done by being a living example of faith and moral living. Some Christians do missionary work, serving people in need in other countries or actively seeking converts through proselytizing.

Christians, especially Protestants, also gather in small groups to study the Bible and discuss how it can apply to their own lives. Christians vary from liberal to conservative in terms of values and morality.

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