7 Little-Known Facts About Roman Catholicism

Roman Catholic doctrine affirms seven sacraments enacted and entrusted to the Church by Christ. Christ gave the sacraments to the Church so that the Church could dispense them to the faithful. Catholics believe that sacraments point to and are channels of God's grace. They work as an effective means of communication between God and His people. These sacraments are baptism, confirmation, the Eucharist, penance, the anointing of the sick, holy orders, and matrimony. Baptism is the first of the sacraments, and is considered the rite of initiation. Catholics believe that baptism is necessary for salvation. In an emergency, baptisms can be performed by anyone.