The sacraments are sacred rites recognized primarily in the Catholic Church as outward signs instituted by Jesus Christ to confer grace and divine life to believers. There are seven sacraments in Catholicism, each serving a specific spiritual purpose and marking important moments in a Christian's life. These sacraments are:
- Baptism : The sacrament of initiation that cleanses a person from original sin and makes them a member of the Church.
- Eucharist (Communion) : The reception of the Body and Blood of Christ, nourishing the soul.
- Confirmation : The outpouring of the Holy Spirit to strengthen faith.
- Reconciliation (Penance or Confession) : The forgiveness of sins through confession and absolution.
- Anointing of the Sick : Spiritual and sometimes physical healing for the ill or elderly.
- Marriage (Matrimony) : The covenant of lifelong union between spouses.
- Holy Orders : The ordination of clergy (deacons, priests, bishops) to serve the Church.
These sacraments are grouped into three categories: Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist), Sacraments of Healing (Reconciliation, Anointing of the Sick), and Sacraments at the Service of Communion (Marriage, Holy Orders)
. The Catholic Church teaches that these sacraments are not merely symbolic but are efficacious signs that truly convey God's grace when received with the proper disposition. They are essential to the spiritual life and salvation of believers and were reaffirmed as seven in number by the Council of Trent in the 16th century
