Sacraments

The Sacraments, instituted by Christ and entrusted to his Church, are, as actions of Christ and the Church, the signs and means whereby the saving grace of Christ is normally bestowed on souls. Each sacrament, by means of its special grace, effects in the soul a particular result, that is, the power of Christ directly touches and moves the soul in a special manner.

All the faithful, therefore, have a right to the sacraments and to their correct celebration. Liturgical actions themselves are not private actions but celebrations of the Church itself. Thus the minister of celebration, who as such functions not in his own name but in that of the Church, is expected to be reverent in his administration of the sacraments so as to reflect the mind of the Church and diligent in the observance of what pertains to their lawful celebration, administration and reception and to the order to be observed in their celebration.

The Sacraments require, on the part of recipients, that they be properly disposed and canonically qualified. Ministers, on their part, are to be legitimately qualified and deputed, having the right intention and attention and fulfilling what is requisite for valid and lawful celebration.