In simple terms
Sacramentals are sacred signs instituted by the Catholic Church. They help prepare us to receive the fruits of the Sacraments, encourage prayer and help sanctify the many circumstances of Christian life.
They are not magical objects, and they do not replace the Sacraments.
Sacramentals are sacred signs instituted by the Church. The Catechism explains that they bear a resemblance to the Sacraments and signify spiritual effects obtained through the intercession of the Church. Through sacramentals, the faithful are disposed to receive the chief effect of the Sacraments and different circumstances of life are sanctified.
Sacramentals are not the Sacraments
The Catholic Church celebrates seven Sacraments: Baptism, Confirmation, the Eucharist, Penance, Anointing of the Sick, Holy Orders and Matrimony.
Sacramentals are different. They do not confer the grace of the Holy Spirit in the same way the Sacraments do. Rather, through the Church's prayer, they prepare us to receive grace and help dispose us to cooperate with it.
The Sacraments
Instituted by Christ and entrusted to the Church. The seven Sacraments are privileged encounters with Christ and confer grace in the manner proper to each Sacrament.
Sacramentals
Instituted by the Church. They prepare us to receive the fruits of the Sacraments and help sanctify different circumstances of Christian life.
What forms can sacramentals take?
Sacramentals take different forms. Blessings occupy an especially important place. They include praise of God and the Church's prayer for His gifts.
The Church's sacramentals always include prayer and are often accompanied by a sign such as the laying on of hands, the Sign of the Cross or the sprinkling of holy water, which recalls Baptism.
Religious objects such as Rosaries, Crucifixes, medals and other devotional items can be blessed and used within the devotional life of the Church. Once an object has been dedicated or blessed for sacred use, Canon Law says it should be treated reverently and not employed for profane or inappropriate use.
Why do Catholics use sacramentals?
Catholics use sacramentals because they help bring faith into everyday life. They can call us back to prayer, remind us of God's presence and direct our attention toward the mysteries of the Christian faith.
A Crucifix can remind us of Christ's sacrifice. A Rosary can guide prayer and meditation on the mysteries of the life of Jesus Christ. A medal may recall the example and intercession of a saint. Holy water recalls Baptism and is used in blessings and prayer.
In this way, ordinary moments and material things can become occasions that help us remember God and live our faith more intentionally.
Do sacramentals have power on their own?
No. Sacramentals should never be treated as lucky charms, magical objects or things with independent spiritual power.
Their purpose is not to replace faith, prayer, the Sacraments or trust in God. Their value is connected to the prayer and intercession of the Church and to the way they dispose the faithful to receive and cooperate with God's grace.
Important for Christ To The World customers
All religious items sold by Christ To The World are supplied unblessed.
After purchasing a Rosary, medal, Crucifix, statue or other devotional item, you may take it to the priest at your church and ask to have it blessed.
Blessing religious objects
The Church regulates the celebration of sacramentals and blessings. Canon Law provides that clerics ordinarily administer sacramentals according to the approved rites, while lay people may administer certain sacramentals where the liturgical books and Church authority permit it. Some blessings are specifically reserved to bishops, priests or deacons.
For an ordinary devotional object that you would like blessed, your parish priest is the simplest person to approach.
Sacramentals in everyday Catholic life
Sacramentals can serve as reminders that Christian faith is not limited to Sunday Mass. A Crucifix in the home, a Rosary beside the bed or a medal worn around the neck can become prompts to pray, trust God and remember Christ, the Blessed Virgin Mary and the saints.
Used properly, sacramentals do not draw attention away from God. Their purpose is to help lead us toward Him.
Remember
Sacraments were instituted by Christ and confer grace in a unique sacramental way.
Sacramentals were instituted by the Church and help prepare us to receive the fruits of the Sacraments, encourage prayer and sanctify different circumstances of Christian life.
They are not magical objects. They are sacred signs that can help direct our minds and hearts toward God.
Authoritative Catholic sources
This article is based principally on:
Continue learning
This is the foundation of our Sacramentals Guide. As the guide grows, you will be able to explore individual devotions and sacred objects in more detail.