Sacramentals

The Prayer Book Catechism notes that the sacramental rites of Confirmation, Ordination, Holy Matrimony, Reconciliation of a Penitent, and Unction evolved in the church under the guidance of the Holy Spirit (BCP, pp. 860-861). These other sacramental rites, or sacramentals, are distinguished from Baptism and the Eucharist, the two great sacraments of the gospel. Baptism and Eucharist are known as “dominical” sacraments because they were commanded by the Lord Jesus Christ. The five other sacramental rites are means of grace. However, unlike Baptism and Eucharist, they are not necessary for all persons.

The term has at times been applied to various other outward signs and expressions of faith, such as grace at meals, the sign of the cross, the Angelus, the rosary, imposition of ashes on Ash Wednesday, and distribution of palms on Palm Sunday. See Sacramental Rites.