The word sacrament comes from the Latin word “sacramentum” which means a sign of the sacred.

A sign of sacred reality. – St. Augustine

Efficacious symbols since they do not simply point to the presence of grace but actually bring about or effect the grace they symbolize.

A sacred outward sign instituted by Jesus to give life or grace.- Traditional definition

Efficacious : means effective, something that produces an effect.

It also means something that is efficient (productive) and successful.

The sacraments effect what they signify. They make present the spiritual reality that they symbolize, that is, the saving presence of the Risen Christ.

The sacraments are: A. Ceremonies that point to what is sacred.B. Sacraments are channels of grace. C. They communicate the grace of God to those who receive them.

Catholic, Orthodox, and Anglican traditions practice all seven sacraments.

Most other Christian denominations only celebrate baptism and communion.

Catholics are Sacramental people. The Catholic mind recognizes that God

is at work in humanity and all of Creation.

Catholics believe that God reaches out to us every day.

Catholics believe that the life of grace begins in baptism and continues throughout our lives.

The are seven Sacraments divided in three categories.

These categories are:Initiation, Healing, Mission and Service.

1. Baptism2. Confirmation3. Eucharist

4. Reconciliation or Penance

5. Anointing of the Sick

6. Matrimony7. Holy Orders

CCC #131: “The sacraments are efficacious signs of grace, instituted by Christ and entrusted to the Church, by which divine life is dispensed to us.”

Each group will discuss to the class the signs/ symbols used in the Sacrament, their meaning and the reality it symbolizes/ points out to.

The reporting by group will be done next meeting.

A. The divine life that comes from God alone.

B. God’s power C. God’s strength D. Grace makes us

holy. E. Grace help us

follow God’s will in every day life.

F. The very life of God.