1. The Sacraments
A sacrament is an
external and sensible
sign, instituted by
Christ, that causes the
grace it signifies.

2. Sacraments in the Old Testament
 Through the action of the Holy
Spirit, certain sacramental rites in
the Old Law prefigured the
sacraments of the New Law.
 Circumcision (Baptism)
 Paschal Lamb (Hoy Eucharist)
 Various Purification and Expiation
 Consecration of Levites
 These rites, however did not confer

3. The Institution of the Sacraments by Christ
 God is the Principal author of all the
Sacraments.
 He established the sacraments through
the humanity of Christ.
 All of the Sacraments were instituted by
Christ (Council of Trent)
 Christ so specifically determined the
matter and form of the Sacraments that
it is not licit to substantially change
them.

4. Matter Form and Minister
 Matter: is the material or the sensible
action or gesture.
 Form: the accompanying words that
declare the special meaning of that
external action or gesture.
 Minister: minister is an icon and a
representative of Christ.

5. Necessity of the Sacraments
 The sacraments are necessary for
salvation
 Christian Community – Holy Orders
and matrimony
 Individual – Baptism, Penance,
Eucharist, Confirmation, and Extreme
Unction
Without them, there is no
salvation

6. Effects of the Sacraments
 The Sacraments produce supernatural
grace.
 Sanctifying Grace - a free gift of God
that produces a supernatural
participation in the divine nature, thus
making us children of God.
 Sacramental Grace – sacramental
grace can be described as the right to
receive actual graces needed to fulfil

7. Minister of the Sacraments
 Icon and representative of Christ
the priest.
 Only a validly consecrated man, or
at least one lawfully chosen for this
purpose by a legitimate authority,
can administer the sacraments.
 Ordinary minister – by his office or
position has the authority.
 Extraordinary minister – can

8. Obligation of the
Ministers
Sacred ministers may not
deny the sacraments to
those who opportunely ask
for them, are properly
disposed and are not
prohibited by law from
receiving them.