“The sacraments of the New Testament were instituted by Christ the Lord and entrusted to the Church.  As actions of Christ and of the Church, they are signs and means by which faith is expressed and strengthened, worship is offered to God and our sanctification is brought about.  Thus, they contribute in the most effective manner to establishing, strengthening and manifesting ecclesiastical communion.  Accordingly, in the celebration of the sacraments both sacred ministers and the other members of Christ’s faithful must show the greatest reverence and due care.”  (Canon 840 of the Code of Canon Law)