Gonzales, Jerome Napoleon T.

Dom Augustine Mary Rivera, OSB

2015400168

Seminar 2E

Sacraments and Sacramentals

A sacrament refers to a significant rite in most Christian Churches. The term itself is
derived from the Latin term sacramentum meaning a sacred bond in Ancient
Rome. This essay discusses the Catholic theology on sacraments and sacramental
followed by a brief discussion on its counterparts in other major branches of
Christianity and their corresponding doctrines on the matter.
Sacraments and their origin
Sacraments are considered to be valuable signs of grace by which divine life
is bestowed to adherents.1 The purpose of which is threefold; to sanctify men, to
build up the body of Christ, and to worship God. 2 The Catholic Church lists seven
sacraments.3 Each claiming biblical bases especially during the ministry of Jesus,
they are; baptism4, confirmation5, eucharist6, reconciliation7, anointing of the sick8,
matrimony9, and holy orders10. However, Catholic theology proclaims the paschal
mystery of Christs passion, death, and resurrection as the ultimate source of all
sacraments.11
Difference from Sacramentals
Apart from sacraments, the Catholic Church also established sacramentals.
These are acts resembling sacraments whose intercession by the Church is needed
in order to obtain its spiritual effects. 12 Its primary purpose is to sanctify; either for
certain Catholic ministries, the daily life of its adherents, or using objects. 13 Unlike
1 Catechism of the Catholic Church 1131.
2 Sacrosanctum Concilium 59.
3 Catechism of the Catholic Church 1113.
4 Matt. 28:19; John 3:22, 4:1-2 NIV
5 Jn. 20:22 NIV
6 Lk. 22:19 NIV
7 Matt. 16:19, 18:18; Jn. 20:23 NIV
8 Mk. 6:7-13 NIV
9 Matt. 19:1-9, Mk. 10:2-12 NIV
10 Mk. 3:13-19 NIV
11 Catechism of the Catholic Church 1670.
12 1983 Codex Iuris Canonici 1166

Gonzales, Jerome Napoleon T.Dom Augustine Mary Rivera, OSB

2015400168

Seminar 2E

the former, sacramentals may be given to non-adherents of the Catholic faith 14 and
some sacramentals may be bestowed by the laity as part of the priestly function
bestowed upon baptized Catholics. 15 These are blessings, consecrations, and
exorcisms.16
Sacraments in other major Christian Churches
Other major branches of Christianity also have equivalents of the Catholic
sacraments. Eastern Christianity also observes seven sacraments but refer to them
as sacred mysteries, defined as those holy acts through which the Holy Spirit
mysteriously and invisibly confers Grace (the saving power of God) upon man 17.
The Anglican Church, on the other hand, defines sacraments as The sacraments
are outward and visible signs of inward and spiritual grace, given by Christ as sure
and certain means by which we receive that grace. 18 However Anglicans only
observe two sacraments; baptism and the supper of the Lord. 19 The Lutheran
Church, meanwhile, also concur that sacraments are sacred acts of divine
institution. However, they assert that not all of the seven sacraments of the
Catholic Church are commanded by God save for baptism, penance, and the Mass
which they still accept as valid.20

13 Catechism of the Catholic Church 1668.

14 1983 Codex Iuris Canonici 1170
15 Catechism of the Catholic Church 1669.
16 Catechism of the Catholic Church 1671-1673.
17 Archpriest Seraphim Slobodskoy. (1966). The Law of God (Jordanville, NY), p. 471.
18 1789 Episcopalian Book of Common Prayer p. 857.
19 1801 Anglican Articles of Religion Art. XXV
20 1580 Apology of the Augsburg Confession Art. XII.