Ruth,

The sacraments are:

• Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist (the three sacraments of initiation),
• Reconciliation and the Anointing of the sick (the sacraments of healing) and
• Matrimony and Holy Orders (the sacraments of service [to the Church])

These seven were given to the apostles by Christ: They were to pass on His words and deeds in the living tradition, a tradition which includes Scripture and is reflected there, but which was primarily first in Christ's formation and instruction of the apostles, and their carrying forward His wishes.

From the beginning, in a conscious awareness that they were fulfilling the Lord's will, the apostles:

• baptized
• performed the laying on of hands for the Spirit
• celebrated the Eucharist
• forgave and retained sins
• ordained presbyters, and
• prayed over the sick.

Marriage already existed, of course, but its reality for Christians was raised up to being a sacramental participation in the union of Christ with His People.

Mary Ann

Hi Ruth,

I just wanted to share with you some of the Biblical basis for the sacraments on my:

Biblical Verses that defend Catholic Doctrine page.

We have to remember that Catholic Tradition comes in both Oral [ Mary Ann's answer ] and Written [ my answer ] form; as St. Paul attested to in

2 Thessalonians 2:15:

Therefore, brothers, stand firm and hold fast to the traditions that you were taught, either by an oral statement or by a letter of ours. May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who has loved us and given us everlasting encouragement and good hope through his grace, encourage your hearts and strengthen them in every good deed and word.

Hope this helps,

Mike

Note: If you want some more detail, check out my FREE Catechism of the Catholic Church for Protestants Program. (CCCPP)