Sacred signs instituted by the church; Includes holy water, rosaries, saint statues, crucifix, ashes on Ash Wednesday; Prepares us for the sacraments and helps us grow closer to God.

• A. Saints
• B. Martyrs
• C. Ten Commandments
• D. Sacramentals

Answer: (D)

Sacramentals are sacred signs instituted by the church that prepare us for the sacraments and help us grow closer to God. The items listed—holy water, rosaries, saint statues, a crucifix, and the ashes on Ash Wednesday—are classic examples. They aren’t sacraments themselves, but they invite us to prayer, remind us of God’s presence, and help focus our hearts on God as we live out our faith.

Saints are holy people who show us how to follow Christ, and martyrs are those who gave their lives for their faith. The Ten Commandments are God’s laws for living rightly. While important, these are not sacred signs used to prepare us for grace in the same way sacramentals are.