RCIA Resource – Session 28

The Sacraments — How Christ Gives Us His Life

RCIA – Session 28
This session forms part of a structured introduction to the Catholic Faith used in parish RCIA. It is intended to be read slowly and prayerfully, alongside participation in the life of the Church. This material is offered for formation and reflection. Reception into the Catholic Church always involves personal discernment and parish accompaniment.

Aim of this session

By the end of this session, participants should understand that:

  • salvation is not only promised but given
  • grace is communicated through visible signs
  • Christ chose sacraments as the ordinary means of salvation
  • the sacraments belong to the Church, not to individuals
  • faith is required, but grace is objectively given

This session asks:

How does the saving work of Christ reach us here and now?

1. Salvation Must Be Given, Not Only Announced

Up to this point we have seen that:

  • Christ redeemed humanity
  • He rose and reigns
  • He pours out the Holy Spirit
  • He founded the Church

A further question follows:

How does that salvation actually reach individual human beings?

Salvation cannot remain:

  • distant
  • theoretical
  • symbolic

Human beings need:

  • concrete means
  • visible assurance
  • real contact with grace

The Catholic Faith insists that Christ provides this.

2. What Is a Sacrament?

A sacrament is:

An outward sign of inward grace, ordained by Jesus Christ, by which grace is given to the soul.

This definition is precise.

A sacrament is not:

  • a reminder only
  • a symbolic gesture
  • an expression of feeling

It is:

  • an action of Christ
  • working through the Church
  • producing what it signifies

Penny Catechism

Q. What is a Sacrament?
A. A Sacrament is an outward sign of inward grace, ordained by Jesus Christ, by which grace is given to our souls.

3. Why Sacraments Are Necessary

Human beings are:

  • bodily
  • spiritual
  • historical

God deals with us accordingly.

He uses:

  • water
  • words
  • bread
  • oil

not because He must, but because we must.

Sacraments:

  • respect human nature
  • unite body and soul
  • make grace tangible

Grace is invisible.
Sacraments make it accessible.

4. Christ Is the Author of the Sacraments

The Church does not invent sacraments.

She teaches that:

  • Christ instituted the sacraments
  • He entrusted them to the Church
  • He acts through them

The priest is not the source of grace.
The community is not the source of grace.

Christ is.

This is why sacraments remain effective even when ministers are imperfect.

5. How the Sacraments Work

The sacraments work:

  • because Christ acts
  • not because of personal holiness
  • not because of emotional intensity

Grace is given objectively.

This does not remove the need for faith.
It explains why sacraments are reliable.

Faith receives.
Christ gives.

6. The Seven Sacraments

The Church teaches that there are seven sacraments.

They are:

  • Baptism
  • Confirmation
  • Holy Eucharist
  • Penance
  • Anointing of the Sick
  • Holy Orders
  • Matrimony

They correspond to:

  • birth
  • growth
  • nourishment
  • healing
  • strengthening
  • mission
  • vocation

Penny Catechism

Q. How many Sacraments are there?
A. There are seven Sacraments.

Each sacrament addresses a real need in human and spiritual life.

7. Sacraments and the Church

The sacraments belong to the Church because:

  • Christ entrusted them to her
  • they require authority
  • they require order

Private sacraments are a contradiction.

The Church:

  • safeguards their meaning
  • regulates their celebration
  • ensures their validity

The sacraments unite us not only to Christ, but to one another.

8. Common Difficulties Addressed

“Why can’t God give grace directly?”

He can — and sometimes does.
But He promised to give it through the sacraments.

“Aren’t sacraments just rituals?”

They are actions of Christ, not empty ceremonies.

“What if someone receives without faith?”

Grace is offered; fruitfulness depends on disposition.

9. What Is Being Asked of You Now

At this stage, you are not asked to:

  • understand every sacrament in detail
  • be ready to receive them all

You are asked to consider this:

If Christ offers His life through the sacraments, do I want to receive it?

That question will now be explored sacrament by sacrament.

10. Questions for the Week

Reflect quietly during the week:

  • Do I think of grace as real or abstract?
  • Why would Christ choose visible signs?
  • What does it mean to receive, not just believe?

11. Closing Summary

Christ redeemed the world.
Christ reigns in glory.
Christ gives His life through the sacraments.

The sacraments are:

  • real
  • effective
  • necessary

They are Christ’s chosen means.

Next week we will ask:

What is Baptism — and why is it necessary for salvation?

Optional Closing Prayer

Lord Jesus Christ,
You give us Your life through the sacraments of the Church.
Give us humility to receive what You offer,
and faith to trust in Your saving work.
Amen.