Sacraments
are sometimes called signs. In Roman Catholic theology, sacraments are
regarded as “communicating signs.” That is, the sign itself actually conveys
the reality for which it stands.
Sacramental Character Certain sacraments, such as the Eucharist
and penance, are to be repeated often. Others—baptism, confirmation, Holy
Orders—are to be administered to a person only once. From the time of Augustine,
this second group of sacraments has been recognized as having “character.”
In other words, because God is faithful to his promises, the gift in these
sacraments cannot be withdrawn. Grace may become latent if a person fails
to act as the church intends, but the sacrament need not be repeated if
the person is restored to the communion of the church.
Number of Sacraments The New Testament affirms one mystery—God's
plan for redeeming the world through Christ. In the history of Christian
thought, however, a large number of acts have been called mysteries or
sacraments. In the 12th century, the Italian theologian Peter Lombard summarized
a growing consensus that there should be just seven: baptism, confirmation,
Eucharist, penance, extreme unction (Anointing of the Sick), Holy Orders
(Orders, Holy), and marriage. These were, in fact, what the church found
necessary for the regular, adequate liturgical celebration of the Christian
mystery. A series of conciliar decisions in the 13th century made the number
seven official.
