[Pelayo]

You speak "tongue in cheek," right? "Dispensing God's graces through sacraments"???? When did He appoint anyone to dispense His grace for Him? Please give us some proof of this in the scriptures.

Well first you have to concede that sacraments are necessary. Then you will understand the need for priests and bishops (Acts 6:6; 14:22; 1 Tim 4:14; 2 Tim 1:6). I have a question for you, do you believe marriage is a sacrament?

[hopefulpilgrim]

I have a question for you, do you believe marriage is a sacrament?

Pelayo, hi. First of all, I want to clarify terms:

1. When catholics speak of "grace," they mean "power" or "enablement." So when they say that this-or-that "confers grace," they mean that this-or-that gives one the power to be righteous. Is this correct?

2. According to the CAT. CAT. (catholic catechism), a sacrament is "a thing perceptible to the senses, which, on the grounds of Divine institution, possesses the power both of effecting and signifying sanctity and righteousness." In other words, a sacrament contains and causes sanctifying power in the person who partakes of the sacrament....Right?

Let me know if I am correct in the meaning of these terms, OK?....and then I will answer you question about marriage being a sacrament. Thanks and God bless you, HopefulPilgrim

[Iowegian]

Well first you have to concede that sacraments are necessary.

Necessary for what? Please clarify the question.