5.1. What are the sacraments, and why are they important?

The sacraments are seven visible rites instituted by Our Lord Jesus Christ to confer sanctifying grace and communicate the fruits of His Passion to souls. They are not merely symbols or expressions of community; they are divinely instituted channels of grace, necessary for salvation and for growth in the spiritual life.

The seven sacraments are:

1. Baptism – which makes us children of God and members of the Church;

2. Confirmation – which strengthens us with the Holy Ghost;

3. Eucharist – which gives us the very Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of Christ;

4. Penance – which forgives sins committed after Baptism;

5. Extreme Unction – which prepares the soul for death;

6. Holy Orders – which gives the power to administer sacraments;

7. Matrimony – which sanctifies the union of husband and wife.

For a sacrament to be valid, it must include:

• Proper matter: the physical element (e.g., water for Baptism, bread and wine for the Eucharist);

• Proper form: the essential words prescribed by Christ or the Church;

• Proper intention: the minister must intend to “do what the Church does”;

• Valid minister: the one conferring the sacrament must have the authority to do so (e.g., a priest for the Eucharist).

If any of these elements is missing or altered in a substantial way, the sacrament may be invalid or illicit. This is why the Church has always guarded her sacramental rites with great caution, knowing that changing the form or meaning risks the salvation of souls.