Catechism of the Catholic Church

The Celebration of the Christian Mystery 289 A rticle 2 THE PASCHAL MYSTERY IN THE CHURCH’S SACRAMENTS 1113 The whole liturgical life of the Church revolves around the Eucharisticsacrificeandthesacraments. 29 Therearesevensacraments in the Church: Baptism, Confirmation or Chrismation, Eucharist, Penance, Anointing of the Sick, Holy Orders, and Matrimony. 30 This articlewill discusswhat is common to theChurch’s seven sacraments from a doctrinal point of view. What is common to them in terms of their celebration will be presented in the second chapter, and what is distinctive about each will be the topic of Section Two. I. T he S acraments of C hrist 1114 “Adhering to the teaching of the Holy Scriptures, to the apostolic traditions, and to the consensus . . . of the Fathers,” we profess that “the sacraments of the new law were . . . all instituted by Jesus Christ our Lord.” 31 1115 Jesus’ words and actions during his hidden life and public ministry were already salvific, for they anticipated the power of his Paschal mystery. They announced and prepared what he was going to give the Church when all was accomplished. The mysteries of Christ’s life are the foundations ofwhat hewouldhenceforthdispense in the sacraments, through theministers of his Church, for “what was visible in our Savior has passed over into his mysteries.” 32 1116 Sacraments are “powers that comes forth” from the Body of Christ, 33 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. II. T he S acraments of the C hurch 1117 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 29 Cf. SC 6. 30 Cf. Council of Lyons II (1274) DS 860; Council of Florence (1439): DS 1310; Council of Trent (1547): DS 1601. 31 Council of Trent (1547): DS 1600-1601. 32 St. Leo the Great, Sermo. 74, 2: PL 54, 398. 33 Cf. Lk 5:17; 6:19; 8:46. 1210 512-560 1504 774 120