A Sacrament is an efficacious sign of Grace, instituted by Christ, and entrusted to the Church which He established. Sacraments are rooted in Sacred Scripture and are special encounters with the Lord at various stages of our Faith journey. Every Sacrament uses both matter and form – the materials used and the words pronounced. There are seven Sacraments: Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist, Holy Orders, Matrimony, Penance, and Anointing of the Sick. For a more precise understanding of any or all of these you are encouraged to refer to the official Catechism of the Catholic Church.
The Sacraments are grouped as follows:
Sacraments of Initiation – Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist
Sacraments of Service – Holy Orders, Matrimony
Sacraments of Healing – Penance (Reconciliation), Anointing of the Sick