What Are the Sacraments?

What Is a Sacrament?

A sacrament is an outward sign instituted by Christ to give grace.

The Sacraments are visible signs that truly communicate invisible grace.

Catholics believe the Sacraments were instituted by Jesus Christ and entrusted to His Church.

They are not merely human rituals or symbols. Through them, Christ continues His saving work in His people.

Why Did Christ Give Us the Sacraments?

God created us body and soul.

Because we are physical and spiritual beings, God uses visible signs to communicate invisible grace.

In the Sacraments, ordinary material things become instruments of God’s grace.

For example:

• Water is used in Baptism.
• Bread and wine are used in the Eucharist.
• Oil is used in Confirmation and Anointing of the Sick.

These signs help us see, touch, and receive the grace Christ gives.

The Sacraments Are Encounters With Christ

The priest or bishop visibly celebrates the Sacraments, but Christ is the true minister acting through them.

In the Sacraments, Christ Himself baptizes, forgives, nourishes, strengthens, heals, and sanctifies.

This is why the Sacraments are powerful. They are encounters with the living Jesus.

The Seven Sacraments

Catholics believe there are seven Sacraments.

Sacraments of Initiation

These begin and strengthen the Christian life.

• Baptism
• Confirmation
• Eucharist

Sacraments of Healing

These restore, heal, and strengthen the faithful.

• Confession
• Anointing of the Sick

Sacraments at the Service of Communion

These serve the Church and build up the People of God.

• Holy Orders
• Matrimony

How Do the Sacraments Give Grace?

The Sacraments give grace because Christ acts through them.

Sanctifying Grace

Sanctifying grace is God’s life dwelling within the soul.

It makes us holy and brings us into friendship with God.

Sacramental Grace

Sacramental grace is the particular grace given by each Sacrament.

For example, Matrimony gives grace for married life, Holy Orders gives grace for ordained ministry, and Confession gives healing and forgiveness after sin.

Biblical Foundations

The Sacraments are rooted in Sacred Scripture and the life of the Church from the beginning.

Baptism

“Going therefore, teach ye all nations; baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.” — Matthew 28:19

The Eucharist

“The bread that I will give, is my flesh, for the life of the world.” — John 6:52

Confession

“Whose sins you shall forgive, they are forgiven them.” — John 20:23

Anointing of the Sick

“Is any man sick among you? Let him bring in the priests of the church.” — James 5:14

Common Misunderstandings

Sacraments Are Not Mere Symbols

The Sacraments use signs, but they do not merely point to grace. They truly give grace.

Sacraments Are Not Magic

The Sacraments are real actions of Christ, but they call for faith, repentance, and cooperation.

God Is Not Limited to the Sacraments

God can work outside the Sacraments. However, Catholics believe the Sacraments are the ordinary means of grace Christ gave His Church.

Why the Sacraments Matter

Without the Sacraments, Christian life can become abstract and disconnected from daily life.

Through the Sacraments, we encounter Christ personally and receive His grace.

The Sacraments help us grow in holiness from the beginning of Christian life to its final moments.

Key Truths About the Sacraments

• Christ instituted the Sacraments.
• The Sacraments were entrusted to the Church.
• The Sacraments are visible signs of invisible grace.
• The Sacraments truly give grace.
• There are seven Sacraments.
• The Sacraments accompany Christians throughout life.
• The Eucharist is the source and summit of the Christian life.
• The Sacraments are encounters with Jesus Christ.

What Does This Mean For Me?

God desires a real relationship with you.

The Sacraments are not merely rituals or traditions.

They are encounters with Jesus Christ, who continues to forgive, heal, strengthen, nourish, and sanctify His people.

Through the Sacraments, Christ continues His saving work in the world today.

Explore the Sacraments

Continue Learning

Now that you understand what the Sacraments are, the next question is: What is Baptism?

Learn how Baptism gives new life, forgives sin, and makes us children of God.