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Sacraments

The sacraments are Christian rites which the Church defines as outward signs of an inward grace. In this way, these sacraments reveal God's grace in a way that is directly observable to both the participant and the witness. The Catholic Church recognizes seven sacraments instituted by Christ:

Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Spirit. — Matthew 28:19

Baptism is the first sacrament of Christian initiation that makes a person a member of Christ and His Church, the way to a new and spiritual life. It is administered by immersing the recipient in water or by pouring water on the person’s head “in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit”. One must be baptized before sharing in any of the other sacraments. Baptism is the foundation for all ministry and life in the church, and confers a commitment to follow Christ and spread his message throughout the world.

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