The Catholic Church teaches that the seven sacraments were instituted by Christ and entrusted to the Church. Through them, we receive God’s grace in real and transformative ways. They mark key moments in a Catholic’s life—from birth to death—and help us live more deeply in union with God.

What Is a Sacrament?

A sacrament is a visible sign of an invisible grace, given by Christ and entrusted to the Church. The Catechism defines sacraments as “efficacious signs of grace… by which divine life is dispensed to us” (CCC 1131). That means they don’t just represent something—they actually do something. When celebrated with faith, they bring about the grace they signify.

The Seven Sacraments

The sacraments are grouped into three categories:

• Sacraments of Initiation:
  • Baptism – Makes us children of God and members of the Church.
  • Confirmation – Strengthens us with the gifts of the Holy Spirit.
  • Eucharist – Nourishes us with the Body and Blood of Christ.
• Sacraments of Healing:
  • Reconciliation (Confession) – Brings forgiveness and spiritual healing.
  • Anointing of the Sick – Offers grace, strength, and healing in times of illness or vulnerability.
• Sacraments of Service:
  • Marriage – Unites a man and woman in lifelong covenantal love.
  • Holy Orders – Ordains men to serve the Church as deacons, priests, or bishops.
    

Why Do the Sacraments Matter?

We are bodily creatures, not just spirits. The sacraments engage our senses—water, oil, bread, wine, words, gestures—and through them, God touches our lives. They allow us to meet Christ not only in private prayer but through real, physical encounters within the Church.

Biblical Roots

Each sacrament has deep roots in Scripture. For example:

• Jesus was baptised (Matthew 3:13-17)
• He instituted the Eucharist at the Last Supper (Luke 22:19-20)
• He healed the sick and forgave sins (Mark 2:5-12)
• He turned water into wine at a wedding (John 2:1-11)
• He breathed the Holy Spirit upon the apostles to forgive sins (John 20:22-23)
  

Living a Sacramental Life

The sacraments are not one-off events—they are a way of life. They mark the rhythm of our journey with God and give us the grace to live the Gospel. By participating regularly in the sacraments—especially the Eucharist and Reconciliation—we remain rooted in Christ, no matter what life brings.