What is the importance of sacramentals?

Answer 1

"The sacraments are an important area of Christian life. They are a key way to meet our Risen Lord…A sacrament is a special kind of symbol. It is a sign of God's love for us, his mystery of salvation. It is a sign that brings about what it points to what it brings about."

from Michael Pennock. (1981). The Sacraments & You: Living Encounters with Christ. Ave Maria Press. Indiana, USA.

Answer 2

Sacramentals is a confusing term in Roman Catholicism. it should not be confused with Sacraments- of which there are seven. Sacramentals refers to what are broadly referred to as Religious articles such as rosaries, statuary, holy-water founts, sanctuary lamps ( sometimes called Torpedo Lamps from their shape). and other religious articles. there are doctrinal norms and specifications on some ( including, I believe , wedding rings) but not on others. you would have to pose the question on specific sacramentals- as sacramental as an adjective can refer directly to a sacrament ( Penance has a sacramental character, for example) there is endless room for confusion. Sacramentals- noun plural, refers to- broadly- religious articles.

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Catholic AnswerAn action or object which in its performance or use bears some resemblance to a sacrament. They are numerous and commonly divided into six classes: prayer, e.g.., the Our Father and liturgical prayers; dipping, e.g., the use of holy water, various anointings, the Mandatum; eating, e.g., of blessed bread (not to be confused with Holy Communion); confession, e.g., the Confiteor; giving, e.g., alms bestowed in the name of the Church and not merely as a private deed; blessings, the largest class, including the consecration of kings, the blessing of abbots, churches, houses, bells, etc., the blessing and use of many other objects, medals, scapulars, images, etc. If used in accordance with the mind of the Church sacramentals are the means of receiving actual grace to do good and avoid evil, of protection of soul and body, and the remission of venial sin. These effects are entirely dependent upon the mercy of God who regards the prayers of the Church and the good dispositions of those who use them. They therefore differ from the sacraments both in operation and effect; but they are an extension of the sacramental principle of using material objects to signify spirituals truths and processes, and employing the unity in man of matter and spirit. from A Catholic Dictionary, edited by Donald Attwater, 2nd Edition, Revised.