The Convert's Catechism of Catholic Doctrine

Sacramentals, Blessings, Devotions

What is a Sacramental?: A Sacramental is an external act of Religion, established by the Church, to draw God's blessings on the faithful.
How many kinds of Sacramentals are there?: There are four kinds of Sacramentals:

1) The Rites and Ceremonies used in the administration of the Sacraments;

2) Blessings and Exorcisms used independently of the Sacraments;

3) The use of Sacred names, signs and things, such as the name of Jesus, the Sign of the Cross, the Use of Blessed Articles;

4) The use of pious exercises, as the recitation of the Lord^s Prayer, praying in a consecrated church, giving alms prescribed by the Church, and many others.
What benefits are derived from the devout use of the Sacramentals?: The benefits derived from the devout use of the Sacramentals are five:

1) They excite good thoughts and increase devotion;

2) They remit venial sin by inspiring one with sorrow for the same;

3) They remit temporal punishments as acts of satisfaction;

4) They strengthen us against temptations and put the powers of darkness to flight;

5) They sometimes effect health of body and other temporal favors.
Whence do the Sacramentals derive their power?: The Sacramentals derive their power from the institution and prayer of the Church, which is always pleasing to God.
What is a Blessing?: A Blessing, as a Sacramental, is a religious Ceremony, which draws the protection of God on a person, or on a thing and those who use it devoutly.
What is an Article of Devotion?: An Article of Devotion is anything withdrawn from profane use and devoted to the exercise of Religion.
Which are the principal Articles of Devotion in use among Catholics?: The principal Articles of Devotion in use among Catholics are:

The Crucifix,

Holy Pictures,

Rosary Beads,

Medals,

Scapulars,

Candles,

Holy Water,

Blessed Palms and

Ashes.
What is a Catholic Devotion?: A Catholic Devotion is a pious practice approved by the Church.
Name the principal devotions approved by the Church.: The principal devotions approved by the Church are,

Devotion to the Blessed Sacrament,

Frequent Communion,

Devotion to the Sacred Heart,

The Way of the Cross,

Devotion to the Blessed Virgin,

The Rosary,

the Scapulars,

other devotions in honor of Saint Joseph and other Saints and Angels.