The 7 sacraments of the Catholic Church
The sacraments are visible and effective signs of grace, instituted by Christ and entrusted to the Church. The Catholic Church recognizes seven, grouped into three categories.
Sacraments of Christian initiation
| Sacrament | What it is |
|---|---|
| Baptism | Makes us children of God, washes away original sin and incorporates us into the Church. It is the gateway to the other sacraments. |
| Confirmation | Strengthens the grace of Baptism with the gifts of the Holy Spirit. |
| Eucharist | The Body and Blood of Christ; the source and summit of Christian life. |
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Ver App GratisSacraments of healing
| Sacrament | What it is |
|---|---|
| Penance (Reconciliation) | The forgiveness of sins committed after Baptism, through confession. |
| Anointing of the Sick | Comforts, spiritually and physically, those suffering serious illness or old age. |
Sacraments at the service of communion
| Sacrament | What it is |
|---|---|
| Holy Orders | Consecrates bishops, priests and deacons for the service of the Church. |
| Matrimony | Unites a man and a woman in a lifelong covenant, a sign of Christ's love. |
Why they matter
Each sacrament accompanies a key moment of Christian life: birth into the faith, growth, spiritual nourishment, forgiveness, comfort in illness, and the vocation to service or married love.
Frequently asked questions
How many sacraments are there? Seven.
Which are the sacraments of initiation? Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist.
Which one is received first? Baptism, which is the gateway to all the others.
Who instituted the sacraments? Jesus Christ, according to the faith of the Church.
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