The Sacraments
As as she has done for the canon of Sacred Scripture and for the doctrine of the faith, the church, by the power of the Spirit who guides her 'into all truth,' has gradually recognized this treasure received from Christ and as the faithful steward of God's mysteries, has determined its 'dispensation.' Thus the church has discerned over the centuries that among liturgical celebrations there are seven sacraments, in the strict sense of the term, instituted by the Lord.
The whole liturgical life of the church revolves around the Eucharistic sacrifice and the sacraments.
There are seven sacraments in the church:
- Baptism
- Confirmation
- Eucharist
- Reconciliation
- Anointing of the Sick
- Holy Orders
- Marriage
Sacraments are 'powers that comes forth' from the Body of Christ, which is ever-living and life-giving. They are actions of the Holy Spirit at work in his body, the church. They are 'the masterworks of God' in the new and everlasting covenant.
~ From the Catechism of the Catholic Church (1117,1113, & 1116).