The Sacraments
The Catholic Church is a sacramental Church. We recognize seven
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sacraments. But what is a sacrament?
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stituted by Christ to give grace.” So a sacrament is a sign, but also so
much more.
Most non-Catholic churches recognize a few sacraments (like Baptism
and Communion), or none at all. For many, what Catholics recognize as
sacraments are simply signs or symbols. For Catholics, there is certainly
a symbolic nature to each of the sacraments. But there is an inherent
difference. Catholics believe that in the sacraments, God actually does
something. Christ works (gives grace) through the sacraments.
Here’s how the Catechism of the Catholic Church describes it: “…Christ
now acts through the sacraments he instituted to communicate his grace.
The sacraments are perceptible signs (words and actions) accessible to
our human nature. By the action of Christ and the power of the Holy
1084)
Eucharist, Penance, the Anointing of the Sick, Holy Orders and Matri-
the Sacraments of Christian Initiation. These “lay the foundations of every
Christian life.” (CCC 1212) Penance (also called Reconciliation or
Confession) and the Anointing of the Sick are called the sacraments of
healing. And Holy Orders and Matrimony are called “the sacraments at
the service of communion and the mission of the faithful.” (CCC 1211)
Since the sacraments are the chief means of communicating Christ’s
grace to the believer, participation in the sacramental life of the Church
is essential for every Catholic.
For further study:
CCC 1084
CCC 1210-1212