The seven sacraments — may I ask about them one at a time?

First, a few promises

• We do not rank anyone's faith or worth by how many sacraments they have received.
• No sacrament justifies violence, coercion or the covering up of a crime.
• We do not judge anyone's fitness for the sacraments or their marital status in public; those are looked at separately, with a pastor who is accountable.

Remember this when you talk about the seven sacraments

1. Rather than memorizing the rules first, ask first what Christ gives in each sacrament.
2. Explain the visible sign, Christ's promise and the person's free response together.
3. Never use the secrecy of a sacrament to cover up a crime or silence a victim.
4. An individual's standing and questions about marriage belong in a safe and confidential setting, not in a public comment thread.

A 30-second answer “The seven sacraments aren't magic or a scorecard of faith. From Baptism through to Matrimony and Holy Orders, they're gifts by which Christ gives grace through a visible sign at different moments of life and builds up a community. Those gifts don't cancel freedom and responsibility, and they don't cover up any violence or crime.”

Read more in the official documents

• Catechism of the Catholic Church 1127–1129 — sacramental grace and the holiness of the minister
• Catechism of the Catholic Church 1210–1212 — the seven sacraments
• Catechism 1213–1284 — Baptism
• Catechism 1285–1321 — Confirmation
• Catechism 1322–1419 — the Eucharist
• Catechism 1422–1498 — Penance and Reconciliation
• Catechism 1499–1532 — Anointing of the Sick
• Catechism 1536–1600 — Holy Orders
• Catechism 1601–1666 — Matrimony

This is a catechetical aid explaining the basic meaning of the sacraments. For an individual's marriage, confession or fitness for the sacraments, and for actual questions of crime and safety, get help from a responsible pastor, from an expert in canon law, and from your local safeguarding, investigative and medical services respectively.