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.
(Catechism of the Catholic Church, n. 1131)
The seven ritual sacraments of the Church are grouped according
to their purpose. The sacraments of Initiation are Baptism,
Confirmation, and Eucharist. The sacraments of healing
are Penance and the Anointing of the Sick. Holy Orders
and Marriage are the sacraments at the service of community
and the mission of the faithful.
Last update April 17, 2007 |
