A sacrament is an outward sign instituted by Christ to give grace. In Catholic theology, only Christ could institute the sacraments because only God can give signs the power to communicate His grace. Each sacrament has an outward, visible sign, called the matter, and words or a formula, called the form. For example, in Baptism, the water is the matter and the words spoken during the pouring of the water are the form. The sacraments signify and actually give the grace they represent; for instance, the washing with water in Baptism signifies the cleansing of the soul from sin. Catholics believe that the seven sacraments—Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist, Reconciliation, Anointing of the Sick, Holy Orders, and Matrimony—are channels through which God gives grace to nourish and strengthen believers. The sacraments therefore play a central role in Catholic life because they make God’s grace present and help people grow closer to Him.