The poster cannot shake the heresy taught in catholiciism that one must earn the right to claim what God gives by His Grace, not our works.
Catholicism teaches no such thing...redemption is a GIFT from God and is available to all who accept it.
We are, however, fully free to reject the gift and it is by our actions that we either accept or reject His gift.
Seven Sacraments were outward signs, established by Christ, to assist us in our efforts to recognize God's gifts and accept them without reservation.
You see people, everyday, gifted with intelligence, ability, opportunity, misuse these gifts and basically tell God to buzz off.....They have every right (free will) to do so, but with a little effort, they would use these gifts to come closer to God, assist others to do the same, and justify their existence on Earth.