Sacraments defined

The Sacraments: Encounters with Christ

In the Catholic Church, the sacraments are not just rituals — they are sacred encounters with Jesus Himself. Through them, God gives us grace: His own life poured into our hearts.

There are seven sacraments: Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist, Reconciliation, Anointing of the Sick, Matrimony, and Holy Orders. Each was instituted by Christ and entrusted to the Church.

A sacrament is simply this:

An outward sign, instituted by Christ, to give grace.

God uses physical things — water, oil, bread, words — because He knows we are physical beings. These signs help us see and feel what He’s doing in our souls.

Through the sacraments, we receive sanctifying grace — the divine help we need to believe, to love, and to live our faith more deeply.

If it’s been a while since you received a sacrament like Reconciliation or the Eucharist, consider this a gentle nudge. Christ is waiting — and His grace is always ready.