What is A Sacrament

Throughout the history of the Catholic Church a sacrament has been defined as: “a visible sign, instituted by Christ, to give grace.”

Within these words we hear three important and distinct statements:

• A visible sign : An action performed by a priest or deacon as in Baptism when the water is poured over the child’s or adult’s head.   
• Instituted by Christ : Jesus instructed His followers through the church to offer the seven sacraments to His followers.  The sacraments have been passed down through the centuries to all the followers of Jesus.   
• To give grace : Grace is a free gift from God once we have given our lives to Him and receive Him in the sacraments our lives are filled with a special grace from God.