Sacraments.

325. What is a sacrament of the New Covenant?
A sacrament of the New Covenant is an external sign instituted by Jesus Christ to signify grace and to confer it upon those who receive the sacrament worthily.

326. What components make up the sacraments?
The sacraments consist of three parts: the matter, which is the physical element; the form, which is the words; and the minister, who must at least intend to do what the Church does. If any of these components are missing, the sacrament does not take effect.

327. How many sacraments of the New Covenant are there, and what are they?
There are seven sacraments of the New Covenant: Baptism, Confirmation, the Eucharist, Penance, Anointing of the Sick, Holy Orders, and Matrimony.

328. Why did Jesus Christ establish exactly seven sacraments, no more and no fewer?
Jesus Christ established these seven sacraments because they are necessary and sufficient for the purpose of the Church.

329. How do these seven sacraments meet the Church's purpose?
The first five sacraments are directed toward the spiritual perfection of each individual, while the last two are oriented toward the governance of the entire Church and the increase of the faithful.

330. What grace do the sacraments confer?
The sacraments bestow sanctifying grace or increase it in us, as well as sacramental grace, which is a right to specific helps needed to achieve the particular goals of each sacrament.

331. How do the sacraments confer grace?
The sacraments confer grace by the power of Jesus Christ, who placed this power within them when He instituted them, meaning they work ex opere operato (by the very act performed), provided no obstacle is placed in the way.

332. Who places an obstacle?
An obstacle is placed by those who approach the sacraments without the necessary preparation to receive grace.

333. Can the unworthiness of the minister prevent the sacraments from being effective?
The unworthiness of the minister does not prevent the sacraments from being effective, as the minister acts not in his own name but in the name of Christ when performing the sacred action.

334. Which sacraments are sacraments of the living, and which are sacraments of the dead?
Baptism and Penance are sacraments of the dead, while the remaining sacraments are sacraments of the living.

335. Why are Baptism and Penance called sacraments of the dead, and the others sacraments of the living?
Baptism and Penance are called sacraments of the dead because they are intended primarily for those who, due to sin, lack supernatural life, that is, sanctifying grace. The other sacraments are for those who already have supernatural life.

336. What sin is committed by receiving a sacrament of the living with a mortal sin on one's conscience?
One who receives a sacrament of the living with a mortal sin on their conscience not only fails to receive grace but also commits the grave sin of sacrilege.

337. Can one obtain sanctifying grace or reconciliation with God before receiving a sacrament of the dead?
Sanctifying grace or reconciliation with God can also be obtained before receiving a sacrament of the dead through an act of perfect contrition. However, even in this case, reconciliation with God should include the desire to receive the sacrament of Baptism or Penance, as contrition would not be perfect without such a desire.

338. What does the desire for a sacrament entail?
The desire for a sacrament involves a genuine, sincere, and firm will to receive it.

339. Which sacraments can be received only once?
Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Orders can be received only once, as they imprint an indelible mark on the soul.

340. What is the sacramental character?
Sacramental character is an indelible spiritual mark imprinted on the soul. It remains even in the afterlife, contributing to glory for the saved and to shame for the damned.

341. What is the purpose of sacramental character?
Sacramental character serves a dual purpose: to distinguish individuals with a particular mark and to enable them to receive or perform something sacred.

342. What character is imprinted by these three sacraments?
Baptism imparts a character that makes a person a member of the mystical body of Christ, the Church, and capable of receiving other sacraments.
Confirmation imparts a character that makes a person a soldier of Christ, ready to publicly profess the faith.
The character of Holy Orders enables a person to act as a servant of Christ with the power to administer and celebrate sacraments.

343. Why are godparents chosen for Baptism and sponsors for Confirmation?
Godparents for Baptism and sponsors for Confirmation are chosen to ensure the baptized or confirmed person’s Christian upbringing, especially if their parents are absent or neglect their duty.

344. Does spiritual kinship arise from being a godparent or sponsor?
Spiritual kinship arises between the baptized person and the one baptizing, as well as between the baptized person and their godparents. It also arises between the confirmed person and their sponsor.

345. Are all sacraments equally necessary?
Not all sacraments are equally necessary. Baptism is necessary for everyone; Penance is necessary for those who commit mortal sin after Baptism; Holy Orders is necessary for the Church, though not for individual believers; Matrimony is necessary for the human community to establish Christian families.

346. Which sacrament surpasses all others?
The Most Holy Eucharist surpasses all other sacraments because it contains not only grace but the giver of grace, Jesus Christ Himself, truly, really, and substantially.

347. What are sacramentals?
Sacramentals are objects or actions that the Church uses, imitating the sacraments, to obtain spiritual effects through its prayers. Examples include exorcisms, blessings of objects or persons, and consecrations.