What is a sacrament and why do Catholics emphasise them so much?

Sacraments, especially Baptism, are important to all Christians (not just Catholics). This is because sacraments are formal public ceremonies through which Christians receive God’s blessings. These ceremonies (“rites”) involve certain gestures, words, and items through which God blesses us. So, we are nourished, sustained and supported by God on our journey of life.

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Sacraments are given to us to help us live a Christian life. They are not rewards for good behaviour, but nourishment for our journey of life to be with God in heaven. They are usually joyful community occasions, in which everyone experiences God’s love and the support of the Church in some way.

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Christians disagree about how many sacraments there are but they all say Baptism is a sacrament. Catholics believe there are seven sacraments: Baptism, Eucharist, Marriage, Ordination, Confirmation, Reconciliation/Confession and Anointing of the Sick. Sacraments usually take place in a building at a time set apart for worship (a liturgy), unless a person is significantly unwell or in danger of death and thus can’t come to church. In those cases, the liturgy (in a shorter form) will take place where they are.