The Sacraments of Christian Initiation

The sacraments of Christian Initiation - Baptism, Confirmation, and the Eucharist - lay the foundations of
every Christian life. "The sharing in the divine nature given to men through the grace of Christ bears
likeness to the origin, development and nourishing of natural life.

THE SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM:

Holy Baptism is...

> the basis of the whole Christian life,

> the gateway to life in the Spirit (vitae spiritualis ianua),

> and door which gives access to the other sacraments.

-Through Baptism we are freed from sin and reborn as sons of God;

-We become members of Christ, incorporated into the Church and made sharers in her missions:
"Baptism is the sacrament of regeneration through water in the word."

"Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death?
We were buried therefore with Him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from
the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life." (Rom 6:3-4)

"To Baptize" comes from the Greek word Baptizein, which means "to plunge" or "immerse"

- The act of being plunged under water represents our death to a life of sin and just as Jesus died and
was raised by the Father we also "rise up" as a new creature when we emerge from the waters of
baptism.

Economy of Salvation

Definition?

> God's revelation and communication with

man throughout history for the sake of our salvation. > Not always through words but also through
signs, symbols and prefigured events.

- Baptisms place within the history of salvation is remembered in the liturgy of the Easter Vigil, in which
several events of the Old Testaments prefigure Baptism.
Baptism Pre-figured in the Old Testament

Water is a symbol of life

> Water springs forth from the rock (Ex 17:5-7) Water is a symbol of death

> Jonah and the Whale (Jonah 1 & 2)

* Water witnessed throughout God's plan

of salvation

• Noah and the Ark

• Moses parting the Red Sea

• Just as Noah and Moses entered into new covenants with God through the effect of water, so do we in
the Sacraments of Baptism.

Water as a symbol of Life

- And the Lord said to Moses: Go before the people, and take with you of the ancients of Israel: and take
in your hand the rod where with you struck the river, and go. Behold I will stand there before you, upon
the rock Horeb, and water shall come out of it that the people may drink.

Christ's Baptism

Done by St. John the Baptist > He preached repentance of sin.

Christ was baptized by St. John even though He was

without sin.

> This was because Christ would later commission the Apostles to evangelize other nations and baptize
them in his name.

> Christ was also setting an example of the importance of Baptism.

- Even though He did not need the effects of Baptism, He was baptized in order to express the value of
submitting to God and letting go of all that we try to control and rather let God work in our lives.

Original Sin and Baptism

• Original Sin refers to the nature of sin that all humans have inherited through birth from the first sin of
Adam and Eve.

> Born with a tendency to sin and reject God's

will for our own.

> It is why we aren't born with all the answers to our faith and understanding of God.

- Baptism removes the Stain of Original Sin

The Rite of Baptism of Children (RBC)

The rite in which most Catholics are initiated into

the Church.

- Is a perfect example of how the salvation received from Baptism is a pure gift of Christ's grace because
nothing is required to receive it. • Some Protestant of Christianity believe that children

should only be baptized once they reach the age of

reason because they are unable as to make

commitments as children.

The Necessity of Baptism

Because Jesus said...

- "Jesus answered, Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter
the kingdom of God." (John 3:5).

- "Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned."
(Mark 16:16)
Rites and Symbols of Baptism

• The meaning and the grace of the Sacrament of

Baptism are revealed in the essential rite, actions, and symbols of the sacrament.

• Essential Rite of Baptism:

- Immersion or pouring of water 3 times.

- " baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the

Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

Rites and Symbols of Baptism

• Communal celebration.

- "Baptism is the sacrament of faith. But faith needs the community of believers. It is only within the
faith of the Church that each of the faithful can believe." (CCC 1253)

The Grace of Baptism

• Two primary graces or effects of the Sacrament are indicated by the immersion in water.

1) Death to sin
2) New birth in the Holy Spirit.

• Overcome Original Sin and become receptive to the teachings of the Church.

The Forgiveness of Sins (Death to Sin)

• Both Original Sin and Personal Sins are forgiven.

• Sin is understood as the "abuse of the freedom that God gives" us. (CCC, 387)

• Adam received original holiness and justice for him and for all human nature.

The Seal of Eternal Life

• Baptism seals Christians with an indelible mark

- Not even sin can erase this mark.

- However, sin can still prevent a baptized person from gaining the rewards of Salvation.

• Venial sin: stumbling block on our path to achieving spiritual perfection.

• Mortal sin: aversion from this path; violate

The Seal of Eternal Life

The mark of Baptism readies Christians for

religious worship.

Baptism is a spiritual primer.

- We have been prepared by it, now we must live it in a holy life committed to service of others and

faith in God.

The forgiveness of sins (death to sin)

Both Original Sin and Personal Sins are forgiven.

• Sin is understood as the "abuse of the freedom that God gives" us. (CCC, 387)

• Adam received original holiness and justice for him and for all human nature.

The Seal of Eternal Life

• Baptism seals Christians with an indelible mark

- However, sin can still prevent a baptized person from gaining the rewards of Salvation.

• Venial sin: stumbling block on our path to

achieving spiritual perfection.

• Mortal sin: aversion from this path; violate natural law.

The Seal of Eternal Life

The mark of Baptism readies Christians for

religious worship

Baptism is a spiritual primer.

- We have been prepared by it, now we must live it in a holy life committed to service of others and faith
in God.

"Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned."
Mark 16:16

"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son
and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am
with you always, to the very end of the age." Matthew 28:19-20
IT IS I, I, WHO WIPE OUT, FOR MY OWN SAKE, YOUR OFFENSES; YOUR SINS I REMEMBER NO MORE.

Isaiah 43:25

The Prodigal Son

I shall get up and go to my father and I shall say to him, "Father I have sinned against heaven and against
you. Luke 15:18

Luke 15:23b-24:

.let us celebrate with a feast, because this son of mine was dead, and has come to life again; he was lost,
and has been found. Jesus Forgives the Sinful Woman

Luke 7:48-50:

He said to her, "Your sins are forgiven." The others at table said to themselves, "Who is this who even
forgives sins?" But he said to the woman, "Your faith has saved you; go in peace."

Definition:

The word "Reconciliation" refers to the process of changing something thoroughly and adjusting it to
something else that is a standard.

It is the word used to refer to the process by which God changes human beings and adjusts them to the
standard of His perfect character.

Reconciliation also appears in the verb form (katallasso), meaning "to reconcile".

Another Greek word translated "to reconcile" is (hilaskomai), meaning "to reconcile" in the sense of
providing propitiation.

We reconcile because we need the FORGIVENESS of God.

* We don't ask forgiveness of God because we think it can make us good but remember, it is not just our
obligation but we need to do it whole-heartedly.

Effects of the Reconciliation Sacrament

 reconciliation with God by which the penitent recovers graces;

 reconciliation with the Church;

 remission of the eternal punishment incurred by mortal sins;

 remission, at least in part of temporal punishments resulting from sin;

 peace and serenity of conscience, and spiritual consolation.

Other Effects:

 Forgives sin

 Reconciles one with God and the community

 Increase graces and the virtue of charity.

 Increase self knowledge and strengthens the will.

Other names of Reconciliation:

 Sacrament of Conversion - it is called so because it make sacramentally present Jesus' call to

 Sacrament of Confession - it is called so because disclosure or confession of sins to a priest is an

 Sacrament of Forgiveness - by the Priest's sacramental absolution God grants the penitent
pardon and peace.

 Sacrament of Reconciliation - it imparts to the sinner the love of God who reconciles.
  Sacrament of Penance - penance is a virtue whereby a person acknowledges his or hersin.

VATICAN II's View of Confession

> Confession- stresses the importance of acknowledging our sins while asking for God's forgiving grace.

Sacrament of penance- emphasize rather the whole process of conversion, including contrition,
repentance and satisfaction.

Sacrament of Reconciliation- brings out the inner relationship between being reconciled with God and
with our neighbor.

Marks of Sacrament

Sacraments are:

an outward sign of an inwardgrace.

1. Absolution or forgiveness of sins that the priest grants to the penitent

2. The Reconciliation of the penitent to God

Purpose

RECONCILING OF MAN TO GOD

To repent and ask for God's forgiveness and that grace can be restored and resist sins.
What are required?

 He must be contrite - or in other words sorry for his sins.

 He must confess those sins fully, in kind and in number.

 He must be willing to do penance and make amends for his sins

How often should you go to Confession?

 A good rule of the thumb is to go once per month.

 To go to confession even if we are aware of venial sin only.

 Frequently during lent,

 Lent-40 days penitential season before Easter.

Healing both of soul and body has always been part of the Christian concern. During his life, Jesus spent
much time healing the sick and befriending the sinner. The church today continues this healing mission
of Christ through the Sacrament of the Anointing of the sick and the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

Are you ready to confess your sins?

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all
unrighteousness. 1 JOHN 1:9

Therefore confess your sins too much other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The
prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. – james 5:16

We have sinned and committed iniquity, …even by departing from your ercepts and your judgments. –
Daniel 9:5

The Sacrament of Confirmation

1. 1. 1285 Baptism, the Eucharist, and the sacrament of Confirmation together constitute the
"sacraments of Christian initiation," whose unity must be safeguarded. It must be explained
 to the faithful that the reception of the sacrament of Confirmation is necessary for the
completion of baptismal grace. For "by the sacrament of Confirmation are more perfectly
bound to the Church and are enriched with a special strength of the Holy Spirit. Hence they
are, as true witnesses of Christ, more strictly obliged to spread and defend the faith by word
and deed.
2. 2. is a rite of initiation in Christian churches, (although in the Church of England and similar
denominations it can be simply viewed as a reinstating of ones beliefs) normally carried out
through anointing and/or the laying on of hands and prayer for the purpose of bestowing the
Gift of the Holy Spirit.Within Christianity, confirmation is seen as the sealing of the
covenant made in Holy Baptism.In some denominations, confirmation also bestows full
membership in a local congregation upon the recipient. In others, such as the Roman
Catholic Church, confirmation "renders the bond with the Church more perfect",because a
baptized person is already a full member.
3. 3. In some denominations, confirmation also bestows full membership in a local
congregation upon the recipient. In others, such as the Roman Catholic Church,
confirmation "renders the bond with the Church more perfect",because a baptized person is
already a full member.Roman Catholics, Eastern Orthodox, OrientalOrthodox Churches, and
many Anglicans view Confirmationas a sacrament.In the East it is conferred immediately
after baptism.In the West, this practice is followed when adults are baptized, but in the case
of infants not in danger of death it is administered, ordinarily by a bishop, only when the child
reaches the age of reason or early adolescence..
4. 4. Among those Catholics who practice teen-aged confirmation, the practice may be
perceived, secondarily, as a "coming of age" rite. In Protestant churches, the rite tends to
be seen rather as a mature statement of faith by an already baptized person.It is also
required by most Protestant denominations for membership in the respective church, in
particular for traditional Protestant churches.In traditional Protestant churches (Episcopal,
Presbyterian, Methodist, Lutheran etc.) it is recognized by a coming of age ceremony
Confirmation is not practised in Baptist, Anabaptist and other groups that teach believers
baptism.
5. 5. In the Old Testament (1286)the prophets announced that the Spirit of the Lord would
rest on the hoped-for Messiah for his saving mission.The descent of the Holy Spirit on
Jesus at his baptism by John was the sign that this was he who was to come, the Messiah,
the Son of God.He was conceived of the Holy Spirit; his whole life and his whole mission
are carried out in total communion with the Holy Spirit whom the Father gives him "without
measure.
6. 6. 1287 This fullness of the Spirit was not to remain uniquely the Messiahs, but was to be
communicated to the whole messianic people. On several occasions Christ promised this
outpouring of the Spirit,a promise which he fulfilled first on Easter Sunday and then more
strikingly at Pentecost. Filled with the Holy Spirit the apostles began to proclaim "the mighty
works of God," and Peter declared this outpouring of the Spirit to be the sign of the
messianic age. Those who believed in the apostolic preaching and were baptized received
the gift of the Holy Spirit in their turn.
7. 7. 1288 From that time on the apostles, in fulfillment of Christs will, imparted to the newly
baptized by the laying on of hands the gift of the Spirit that completes the grace of
Baptism.1289 Very early, the better to signify the gift of the Holy Spirit, an anointing with
perfumed oil (chrism) was added to the laying on of hands. This anointing highlights the
name "Christian," which means "anointed" and derives from that of Christ himself whom God
"anointed with the Holy Spirit.”This rite of anointing has continued ever since, in both East
and West.
8. 8. Two traditions: East and West1290CONFIRMATIONIn the first centuriesgenerally
comprised one single celebration with Baptism,forming with it a "double sacrament,"
 according to theexpression of St. Cyprian. Among other reasons, the multiplication of infant
baptisms all through the year, the increase of rural parishes, and the growth of dioceses
often prevented the bishop from being present at all baptismal celebrations.
9. 9. IN THE WESTthe desire to reserve the completion of Baptism to the bishop caused the
temporal separation of the two sacraments. IN THE EAST has kept them united, so that
Confirmation is conferred by the priest who baptizes. But he can do so only with the "myron"
consecrated by a bishop.
10. 10. 1291 A custom of the Roman Church facilitated the development of the Western
practice: a double anointing with sacred chrism after Baptism. the first anointing of the
neophyte on coming out of the baptismal bath was performed by the priest; it was
completed by a second anointing on the forehead of the newly baptized by the bishop.1292
The practice of the Easter n Churches gives greater emphasis to the unity of Christian
initiation. That of the Latin Church more clearly expresses the communion of the new
Christian with the bishop as guarantor and servant of the unity, catholicity and apostolicity of
his Church, and hence the connection with the apostolic origins of Christs Church.
11. 11. 1293SPIRITUAL SEAL In treating the rite of Confirmation, it is fitting to consider the
sign of anointing and what it signifies and imprints: Anointing, in Biblical and other ancient
symbolism, is rich in meaning:OIL is a sign of abundance and joy; it cleanses (anointing
before and after a bath) and limbers (the anointing of athletes and wrestlers); oil is a sign of
healing, since it is soothing to bruises and wounds;and it makes radiant with beauty, health,
and strength.
12. 12. 1294 Anointing with oil has all these meanings in the sacramentallife. the pre-baptismal
anointing with the oil of catechumens signifies cleansing and strengthening; the anointing
of the sick expresses healing and comfort. the post-baptismal anointing with sacred chrism
in Confirmation and ordination is the sign of consecration.1295 By this anointing the
confirmand receives the "mark," the seal of the Holy Spirit.
13. 13. SEAL is a symbol of a person, a sign of personal authority, or ownership of an oblect.
A seal authenticates a juridical act or document and occasionally makes it
secret.1296Christ himself declared that he was marked with his Fathers seal.Christians
are also marked with a seal:"It is God who establishes us with you in Christ and has
commissioned us; he has put his seal on us and given us his Spirit in our hearts as a
guarantee."
14. 14. SEAL OF THE HOLY SPIRIT marks our total belonging to Christ, our enrollment in his
service for ever, as well as the promise of divine protection in the great eschatological trial.
The celebration of Confirmation1297 consecration of the sacred chrismis an important
action that precedes the celebration of Confirmation, but is in a certain way a part of it.It is
the bishop who, in the course of the Chrism Mass of Holy Thursday, consecrates the sacred
chrism for his whole diocese.In some Eastern Churches this consecration is even reserved
to the patriarch:
15. 15. 1298 When Confirmation is celebrated separately from Baptism, as is the case in the
Roman Rite, the Liturgy of Confirmation begins with the renewal of baptismal promises and
the profession of faith by the confirmands. When adults are baptized, they immediately
receive Confirmation and participate in the Eucharist.1299Roman Rite the bishop extends
his hands over the whole group of the confirmands. Since the time of the apostles this
gesture has signified the gift of the Spirit. the bishop invokes the outpouring of the Spirit in
these words:
16. 16. 1300 The essential rite of the sacrament follows.Latin rite the sacrament of
Confirmation is conferred through the anointing with chrism on the forehead, which is done
by the laying on of the hand, and through the words: Accipe signaculum doni Spiritus Sancti
[Be sealed with the Gift of the Holy Spirit.]."113 In the Eastern Churches, after a prayer of
epiclesis the more significant parts of the body are anointed with myron: forehead, eyes,
 nose, ears, lips, breast, back, hands, and feet. Each anointing is accompanied by the
formula: "The seal of the gift that is the Holy Spirit."
17. 17. 1302 It is evident from its celebration that the effect of the sacrament of Confirmation is
the full outpouring of the Holy Spirit as once granted to the apostles on the day of
Pentecost.1303From this fact, Confirmation brings an increase anddeepening of baptismal
grace:- it roots us more deeply in the divine filiation which makesus cry, "Abba! Father!";- it
unites us more firmly to Christ;- it increases the gifts of the Holy Spirit in us;- it renders our
bond with the Church more perfect;
18. 18. - it gives us a special strength of the Holy Spirit tospread and defend the faith by word
and action as truewitnesses of Christ, to confess the name of Christ boldly,and never to be
ashamed of the Cross Recall then that you have received the spiritual seal: the spirit of
wisdom and understanding the spirit of right judgment and courage the spirit of
knowledge and reverence the spirit of holy fear in Gods presence
19. 19. 1304Confirmation is given only once, for it too imprints on the soul an indelible spiritual
mark, the "character," which is the sign that Jesus Christ has marked a Christian with the
seal of his Spirit by clothing him with power from on high so that he may be his
witness1305 This "character" perfects the common priesthood of the faithful, received in
Baptism, and "the confirmed person receives the power to profess faith in Christ publicly and
as it were officially (quasi ex officio).
20. 20. 1306 Every baptized person not yet confirmed can and should receive the sacrament of
Confirmation.1307 The Latin tradition gives "the age of discretion" as the reference point
for receiving Confirmation. But in danger of death children should be confirmed even if they
have not yet attained the age of discretion.
21. 21. 1308Confirmation is sometimes called the "sacrament of Christian maturity,"we must
not confuse adult faith with the adult age ofnatural growth, nor forget that the baptismal
grace is agrace of free, unmerited election and does not need"ratification" to become
effective.1309Preparation for Confirmation should aim at leading theChristian toward a more
intimate union with Christ and amore lively familiarity with the Holy Spirit –- his actions-his
gifts-his biddings - in order to be more capable of assuming theapostolic responsibilities of
Christian life.
22. 22. 1310 To receive Confirmation one must be in a state of grace. One should receive the
sacrament of Penance in order to be cleansed for the gift of the Holy Spirit. More intense
prayer should prepare one to receive the strength and graces of the Holy Spirit with docility
and readiness to act.1311 Candidates for Confirmation, as for Baptism, fittingly seek the
spiritual help of a sponsor. To emphasize the unity of the two sacraments, it is appropriate
that this be one of the baptismal godparents.
23. 23. 1312BISHOP the original minister of ConfirmationIn the East ordinarily the priest who
baptizes also immediately confers Confirmation in one and the same celebration In the Latin
Church  the same discipline applies to the Baptism of adults or to the reception into full
communion with the Church of a person baptized in another Christian community that does
not have valid Confirmation.
24. 24. 1313 In the Latin Rite, the ordinary minister of Confirmation is the bishop.Although the
bishop may for grave reasons concede to priests the faculty of administering Confirmation it
is appropriate from the very meaning of the sacrament that he should confer it himself,
mindful that the celebration of Confirmation has been temporally separated from Baptism for
this reason.1314 If a Christian is in danger of death, any priest should give him
Confirmation. Indeed the Church desires that none of her children, even the youngest,
should depart this world without having been perfected by the Holy Spirit with the gift of
Christs fullness.