was founded on Peter (Matt 16:18–19) and transmitted to his successors, the bishops, mediates salvation to its adherents. Catholicism insists that the supernatural benefits of Christ’s sacrifice are conveyed physically through the church’s sacraments. Assuming the recipient imposes no obstacle to their working, the sacraments mediate saving grace simply because performed in an approved way (ex opere operato). The sacrament of baptism is said to remit original sin, impart sanctifying grace, and unite