The Seven Sacraments of the Catholic Church

There are seven sacraments administered in the Catholic Church. What are they, and what do they do? Why do human beings require sacramentalized, visible realities to seal their confession of faith in Jesus Christ? Why does the Catholic Church administer the sacraments in the way that it does?

Leading Catholic theologian Romanus Cessario, OP, offers an in-depth explanation of the seven sacraments celebrated in the Catholic Church. He addresses the rationale for the sacraments and provides detailed exposition of each one, highlighting the importance of the Catholic tradition--and of Thomas Aquinas, in particular--for contemporary reflection on the sacraments.

This book examines why participation in the sacramental life of the Church is required for the believing Christian and helps readers understand the role the sacraments play in the sanctification of the world.

Contents

Introduction
Part 1: Catholic Sacramental Theology
1. Catholic Theology
2. Sacramental Theology after the Council
3. Some Preliminary Notions of Causality
4. Some Fresh Perspectives on the Sacramental Economy
5. The Saving Work of Christ
6. The Sacramental Economy
7. Christ, Justification, and Faith
8. Efficacy and Sacramental Character
9. The Nature of a Sacrament
10. The Necessity of the Sacraments
11. How Sacramental Mediation Works
12. The Number of the Sacraments
Part 2: The Seven Sacraments
13. Baptism
14. Confirmation
15. Eucharist
16. Penance and Reconciliation
17. Anointing of the Sick
18. Holy Orders
19. Matrimony
Conclusion
Indexes