The traditional definition of a sacrament is this: "A sacrament is a visible sign, instituted by Christ, to give grace." Within this definition there are three important statements:

• A visible sign 
  An action is performed by a minister (usually a priest). 
  For example, when a baby is baptized in the church the priest pours 
  water over its head and at the same time says the words "I baptize 
  you in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit." 
  That is a visible sign. 
    

• Instituted by Christ 
  The Lord Jesus Christ instructed His church to offer the seven 
  sacraments to His followers. For example, His directive to His 
  disciples in Matthew's Gospel (28/19), "Go then, to all peoples 
  everywhere and make them my disciples; baptize them in the name 
  of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit and teach them to obey 
  everything I have commanded you." 
   
• To give grace 
  Grace is God's free gift of Himself as the controlling influence in 
  our life and the decisions we make once we have committed ourselves 
  to Him in faith.

In summary, a sacrament is one of the means God has chosen to influence our life in the direction of his purpose for giving us life.

The seven sacraments are Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist, Reconciliation, Anointing of the Sick, Holy Orders, andMatrimony.