The Latin word sacramentum means "a sign of the sacred." The seven sacraments of the Catholic Church – Baptism, Reconciliation, Holy Eucharist, Confirmation, Marriage, Annointing of the Sick, and Holy Orders – are recognized to have been instituted by Christ Himself as outwards signs of inward grace. When participated in worthily they provide us with God’s grace.
Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Communion are considered to be sacraments of initiation and are the three primary sacraments on which the rest of our lives as Christians are based.
The sacraments assist individuals in their spiritual growth in holiness. They are special occasions for experiencing God's saving presence.