There are seven Sacraments according to the Catholic Church, which are designed to strengthen an individual's relationship with God. The seven sacraments are as follows: Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist, Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, Reconciliation, Anointing of the Sick, Marriage and Holy Orders. The definitions of a Sacrament, according to the Catholic Church, are not meant to be mere signs as they do not symbolically signify Divine grace. Sacraments, in addition to the practice of their Divine institution can cause a state of grace in the souls of the individual. Sacrament, in its broadest sense, may be defined as an external sign, or symbol, of something sacred. Almost all creatures of the universe define something as sacred, believing in the wisdom and the goodness of a God. Catholicism in particular is a highly evolved and organized religion so it stands to reason that its symbols and rites are much defined. The Council of Trent defines a sacrament as the symbol of something sacred, a visible form of invisible grace, having the power of sanctifying. The "Catechism of the Council of Trent" gives a more complete definition: "Something perceptible by the senses which by Divine institution have the power both to signify and to affect sanctity and justice." .
The catholic religion uses sacraments as rites of membership, rites of passage, and definitions of the faith. These sacraments have powerful, emotional, and social significance in today's society. Many people define their commitment to their religion by the fact that they participate in these sacraments. There was a time in the very recent past that participation in the sacraments acted as a quasi-caste system defining who may marry whom, etc. .
Three things are necessary in every sacrament- the inward grace, the outward sign and the Divine institution. Sacraments signify grace only because they have been chosen so by God.
