The Cathoic Church has declared that salvation is through grace. But the Sacraments such as Baptism, Reconcilliation, the Holy Eucharist are instituted by Jesus to help us in our journey so they are essential. Jesus was baptised by John, Jesus instituted the Mass at the last supper. They are not man-made. They provide the graces we need to withstand sin and keep us grounded to the laws of God. Good works are needed because they are ‘faith’ in action, they are acts of mercy and Jesus calls us- such as the parable of the good Samaritan. He commands us to “do likewise”. As St. James wrote, “not by faith alone”.
I am a terrible sinner and I fly to the mercy of God through His sacraments and I am grateful for them. They are gifts we need and should not reject them.