Sacraments

The Catholic Encyclopedia on Sacraments
Biblical Basis for the SEVEN SACRAMENTS

The Catholic Church has seven sacraments. Often there is confusion regarding exactly what a sacrament is.

Many think that a sacrament is a symbol. In a sense, that is true; but the definition goes far deeper than being merely symbolic. Sacraments are physical signs of spiritual graces that are given through Jesus Christ, and they are very special.

What does that mean?

The Catholic Church teaches that Jesus is present in each of the seven sacraments. Through the work of the Holy Spirit, grace transforms the participant’s heart. Rather than a symbolic rite, the sacrament is a spiritual reality because Jesus is present when the sacraments are celebrated.

The sacraments are efficacious—they actually change us through God’s power, not ours.

What does the Catechism say?

The Catechism defines sacraments in the following way:

The sacraments are efficacious signs of grace, instituted by Christ and entrusted to the Church, by which divine life is dispensed to us. The visible rites by which the sacraments are celebrated signify and make present the graces proper to each sacrament. They bear fruit in those who receive them with the required dispositions. (CCC 1131)

Sacraments are a means where Jesus acts in and through the ritual.

What if people are just going “through the motions”?

One doesn’t receive the full benefits of the sacraments if he or she is not open to the grace that God gives through the sacrament. A participant must be open to Christ and fully participate in the rite. Going through the motions is not truly interacting with the Holy Spirit. Being receptive to God’s grace is the fullest expression of God’s amazing love revealed through His son, Our Lord, Jesus Christ.

The Seven Sacraments

Anointing of the Sick

Marriage

Holy Orders

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