What are Sacramentals?
Sacramentals "are sacred signs which bear a resemblance to the sacraments. They signify effects, particularly of a spiritual nature, which are obtained through the intercession of the Church. By them, men are disposed to receive the chief effect of the sacraments, and various occasions in life are rendered holy". (Catechism of the Catholic Church, No. 1667).
Common Sacramental Objects:
Sacramentals are thus sacred signs instituted by the Church that help sanctify everyday life and prepare people to receive the grace of the sacraments.
Unlike the seven sacraments, sacramentals do not give grace automatically by the rite itself. Rather, through the Church's prayer, they dispose us to receive grace and cooperate with it. Their fruits therefore depend on God's action and on receiving them with faith - not on treating the object or gesture as magic.
Holy water, for example, recalls Baptism and can help renew our faith when we use it prayerfully.
The Church uses sacramentals to bring prayer and the remembrance of Christ into the circumstances of life. Their power ultimately comes from Christ’s Passion, death, and Resurrection.
Sacramentals "are sacred signs which bear a resemblance to the sacraments. They signify effects, particularly of a spiritual nature, which are obtained through the intercession of the Church. By them, men are disposed to receive the chief effect of the sacraments, and various occasions in life are rendered holy". (Catechism of the Catholic Church, No. 1667).
Common Sacramental Objects:
- Holy water
- Blessed Salt
- Crucifixes
- Rosaries
- Medallions (Miraculous Medal, St. Benedict Medal, etc.)
- Scapulars (Brown, Green, etc.)
- Blessed candles
- Statues
- Blessed Ashes
- Palms
- Stations of the Cross
- Chalking of the door
- Chrism
Sacramentals are thus sacred signs instituted by the Church that help sanctify everyday life and prepare people to receive the grace of the sacraments.
Unlike the seven sacraments, sacramentals do not give grace automatically by the rite itself. Rather, through the Church's prayer, they dispose us to receive grace and cooperate with it. Their fruits therefore depend on God's action and on receiving them with faith - not on treating the object or gesture as magic.
Holy water, for example, recalls Baptism and can help renew our faith when we use it prayerfully.
The Church uses sacramentals to bring prayer and the remembrance of Christ into the circumstances of life. Their power ultimately comes from Christ’s Passion, death, and Resurrection.