Effects of the Sacraments

What is sacramental grace? It is the specific grace given through the reception of one of the seven sacraments. The specific grace corresponds to the objective of the sacrament which is received. Below, I have outlined the graces and effects conferred from each sacrament. 

Baptism

The two main effects of baptism are purification from sins and new birth and creation, so much so that the sacrament removes all sin that would prevent a person’s entrance into heaven. Baptism gives us divine life in the Holy Trinity:

- enabling them to believe in God, to hope in him, and to love him through the theological virtues;

- giving them the power to live and act under the prompting of the Holy Spirit through the gifts of the Holy Spirit;

- allowing them to grow in goodness through moral virtues.

Incorporated into the Church, the Body of Christ  (Catechism, 1266).

Baptism gives us an indelible mark which marks us as a member of the Christ’s Body. We share in Christ’s mission of priest, prophet, and king and are given the grace to know, love, and serve God.

Communion

Reception of the Blessed Sacrament, first and foremost, deepens our relationship with Jesus and also, “ preserves, increases, and renews the life of grace received at Baptism,” (Catechism, 1392). Thus, this sacrament loosens us from sin, strengthens in us the theological virtue of charity, takes away venial sins, and strengthens us against committing mortal sins.

Holy Communion unites the Body of Christ: “Communion renews, strengthens, and deepens this incorporation into the Church, already achieved by Baptism. In Baptism we have been called to form but one body.  The Eucharist fulfills this call,” (Catechism, 1396). 

Reconciliation

The effect of reconciliation is the restoration of relationship with God and the Church, repairing damage committed by members. Through the forgiveness of our sins, we are strengthened against temptation and in spiritual warfare. This sacrament “is usually followed by peace and serenity of conscience with strong spiritual consolation," (Catechism, 1468).

Confirmation

The sacrament of confirmation deepens grace given to us in baptism. In paragraph 1303, the Catechism outlines the effects: 

- it roots us more deeply in the divine filiation 

- it unites us more firmly to Christ;

- it increases the gifts of the Holy Spirit in us;

- it renders our bond with the Church more perfect; 

- it gives us a special strength of the Holy Spirit to spread and defend the faith by word and action as true witnesses of Christ, to confess the name of Christ boldly, and never to be ashamed of the Cross.

Anointing of the sick

This sacrament is known as the “sacramentum exeuntium” or the “sacrament of those departing.” “The first grace of this sacrament is one of strengthening, peace and courage to overcome the difficulties that go with the condition of serious illness or the frailty of old age,” (Catechism, 1520). Upon receiving this sacrament, a sick person is also strengthened against discouragement, which comes from the evil one. This sacrament unites and conforms a sick person to the suffering Christ participating also in his saving work for the good of the Church. For this reason, anointing of the sick also effects an “ecclesial grace,” (Catechism, 1522).

If a sick person is unable to confess sins, anointing of the sick gives forgiveness of sins. Lastly, if it be the will of God, this sacrament may provide physical healing.

Holy Orders

There are two specific graces that holy orders effect:

“This sacrament configures the recipient to Christ by a special grace of the Holy Spirit, so that he may serve as Christ's instrument for his Church. By ordination one is enabled to act as a representative of Christ, Head of the Church,” (Catechism, 1581.)

“The grace of the Holy Spirit proper to this sacrament is configuration to Christ as Priest, Teacher, and Pastor, of whom the ordained is made a minister,” (Catechism, 1585).

Matrimony

In marriage, spouses are “consecrated for the duties and the dignity of their state by a special sacrament,” (Catechism, 1638). Through this sacrament, a couple enters into the divine love and is fused into the covenant which God made with humankind. Matrimony provides the grace necessary to  help the couple to grow perfect in charity.

"Where sin increased, grace overflowed all the more." (Romans 5:20)