What are sacramentals?

• A. Sacramentals are the same as sacraments.
• B. Sacramentals are blessings given by priests.
• C. Sacramentals are prayers said at baptisms.
• D. Sacramentals are special, holy objects or actions set aside by the Church to remind us of God's love and help us grow closer to Him.

Answer: (D)

Sacramentals are special, holy objects or actions that the Church designates to remind us of God’s love and to help us grow closer to Him. They include things we can see and touch, like holy water, a crucifix, rosaries, medals, candles, and blessed oils, as well as actions we can do, such as making the sign of the cross, blessing ourselves with holy water, or saying certain devotions. They’re set apart by the Church and blessed, but they don’t confer grace in the same way that the sacraments do. Instead, sacramentals prepare us for grace and help deepen our faith by pointing us toward God in prayer and worship. They’re broader than just blessings from a priest or prayers at a baptism, and they’re meant to keep God’s presence in our daily life.