sacramentos

Sacramentos, or sacraments, are religious rites in Christianity regarded as outward signs of inward grace. The term comes from the Latin sacramentum, meaning a sacred pledge, and in Christian usage denotes a rite instituted by Christ to convey grace to believers.

In the Roman Catholic Church and in many Orthodox churches, there are seven sacraments: Baptism, Confirmation, the Eucharist, Penance, Anointing of the Sick, Matrimony, and Holy Orders. These rites are viewed as channels through which grace is dispensed and are typically administered by ordained ministers.

Most Protestant churches recognize fewer sacraments; Baptism and the Lord's Supper are generally regarded as the two instituted by Christ. Some traditions, such as Anglicans and Lutherans, regard all seven rites as sacraments but emphasize grace differently, while others call some rites ordinances.

The purpose of sacraments is to signify and convey divine grace, strengthen faith, and mark key moments in a Christian's life—initiation, growth, healing, and service within the church.

Practices vary in matter, form, and administration, but all share the aim of making sacred realities present in community worship.