Catholic Dictionary

Find accurate definitions of over 5,000 Catholic terms and phrases (including abbreviations). Based on Fr. John Hardon's Modern Catholic Dictionary, © Eternal Life. Used with permission.

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SACRAMENTAL SIGN

The external ritual by which a sacrament is performed and through which the distinctive graces of that sacrament are conferred. The Catholic Church believes that the essential element of each sacrament was originally determined by Christ, e.g., the pouring of water, and the Trinitarian formula in baptism. Other features of the sacramental ritual have been determined by the Church, acting under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.