Our Catholic Faith Living What We Believe CHAPTER 6 The Sacraments of Initiation Our Need for Signs and Symbols Baptism Confirmation Eucharist

OurOur Catholic Catholic FaithFaith Living What We BelieveLiving What We Believe

CHAPTER 6CHAPTER 6The Sacraments of InitiationThe Sacraments of Initiation

Our Need for Signs and SymbolsOur Need for Signs and Symbols

Baptism Baptism

ConfirmationConfirmation

EucharistEucharist

The Liturgical YearThe Liturgical Year

Chapter 6 Chapter 6 The Sacraments of InitiationThe Sacraments of Initiation


Sacraments Sacraments

Christ left his Church the sacraments: special Christ left his Church the sacraments: special symbols of God’s love and important signs symbols of God’s love and important signs of grace and divine friendship of grace and divine friendship

A sacrament is a “visible sign of an invisible A sacrament is a “visible sign of an invisible reality, a visible sign of invisible grace.” reality, a visible sign of invisible grace.” (St. (St. Augustine of Hippo)Augustine of Hippo)

Sacraments Sacraments

Christ left his Church the sacraments: special Christ left his Church the sacraments: special symbols of God’s love and important signs symbols of God’s love and important signs of grace and divine friendship of grace and divine friendship

A sacrament is a “visible sign of an invisible A sacrament is a “visible sign of an invisible reality, a visible sign of invisible grace.” reality, a visible sign of invisible grace.” (St. (St. Augustine of Hippo)Augustine of Hippo)



The three Sacraments of InitiationThe three Sacraments of InitiationThe three Sacraments of InitiationThe three Sacraments of Initiation

BaptismBaptism brings new life in Christbrings new life in Christ

ConfirmationConfirmation strengthens the new lifestrengthens the new life

EucharistEucharist nourishes Catholics with nourishes Catholics with Christ’s Body and BloodChrist’s Body and Blood

BaptismBaptism brings new life in Christbrings new life in Christ

ConfirmationConfirmation strengthens the new lifestrengthens the new life

EucharistEucharist nourishes Catholics with nourishes Catholics with Christ’s Body and BloodChrist’s Body and Blood

• They “gather in” God’s people and make us members of Christ’s Body, the Church

• They give us the life of Christ and bestow the gift of the Holy Spirit so that we can be Christ for others



Initiation in the Early ChurchInitiation in the Early Church Most converts were adults and initiation was seen as a Most converts were adults and initiation was seen as a

journey that took place in stagesjourney that took place in stages Sponsors helped them prepare through a three-year Sponsors helped them prepare through a three-year

period of prayer, fasting, and self-denial period of prayer, fasting, and self-denial After a forty-day period of prayer and formal After a forty-day period of prayer and formal

instruction in the faith during Lent, they received instruction in the faith during Lent, they received all three Sacraments at the Easter Vigilall three Sacraments at the Easter Vigil

The bishop was the main celebrantThe bishop was the main celebrant Catechumens were questioned and anointed with oilCatechumens were questioned and anointed with oil

Initiation in the Early ChurchInitiation in the Early Church Most converts were adults and initiation was seen as a Most converts were adults and initiation was seen as a

journey that took place in stagesjourney that took place in stages Sponsors helped them prepare through a three-year Sponsors helped them prepare through a three-year

period of prayer, fasting, and self-denial period of prayer, fasting, and self-denial After a forty-day period of prayer and formal After a forty-day period of prayer and formal

instruction in the faith during Lent, they received instruction in the faith during Lent, they received all three Sacraments at the Easter Vigilall three Sacraments at the Easter Vigil

The bishop was the main celebrantThe bishop was the main celebrant Catechumens were questioned and anointed with oilCatechumens were questioned and anointed with oil



Initiation in the Early ChurchInitiation in the Early Church They were plunged into the baptismal waters three timesThey were plunged into the baptismal waters three times The five senses were anointed and the Holy Spirit The five senses were anointed and the Holy Spirit

invoked (Confirmation)invoked (Confirmation) The neophytes received white garments to symbolize a The neophytes received white garments to symbolize a

new life in Christnew life in Christ The neophytes received candles to remind them of their The neophytes received candles to remind them of their

new vocation to be the light of Christnew vocation to be the light of Christ The Eucharist was celebrated and they received their The Eucharist was celebrated and they received their

first Holy Communionfirst Holy Communion

Initiation in the Early ChurchInitiation in the Early Church They were plunged into the baptismal waters three timesThey were plunged into the baptismal waters three times The five senses were anointed and the Holy Spirit The five senses were anointed and the Holy Spirit

invoked (Confirmation)invoked (Confirmation) The neophytes received white garments to symbolize a The neophytes received white garments to symbolize a

new life in Christnew life in Christ The neophytes received candles to remind them of their The neophytes received candles to remind them of their

new vocation to be the light of Christnew vocation to be the light of Christ The Eucharist was celebrated and they received their The Eucharist was celebrated and they received their

first Holy Communionfirst Holy Communion


Our Need for Signs and SymbolOur Need for Signs and Symbol

Initiation todayInitiation today After AD 313, most Catholics were baptized in infancyAfter AD 313, most Catholics were baptized in infancy Holy Communion is typically received at age sevenHoly Communion is typically received at age seven The Second Vatican Council restored the ancient way The Second Vatican Council restored the ancient way

of initiating adults into the Churchof initiating adults into the Church The Catechumenate has distinct The Catechumenate has distinct

steps, consisting of four periods steps, consisting of four periods and three stages and are found in and three stages and are found in the the Rite of Christian Initiation of Rite of Christian Initiation of AdultsAdults (RCIA) (RCIA)

Initiation todayInitiation today After AD 313, most Catholics were baptized in infancyAfter AD 313, most Catholics were baptized in infancy Holy Communion is typically received at age sevenHoly Communion is typically received at age seven The Second Vatican Council restored the ancient way The Second Vatican Council restored the ancient way

of initiating adults into the Churchof initiating adults into the Church The Catechumenate has distinct The Catechumenate has distinct

steps, consisting of four periods steps, consisting of four periods and three stages and are found in and three stages and are found in the the Rite of Christian Initiation of Rite of Christian Initiation of AdultsAdults (RCIA) (RCIA)


BaptismBaptism

Baptism is foreshadowed in the Old Testament Baptism is foreshadowed in the Old Testament accounts of creation and the Great Floodaccounts of creation and the Great Flood

In the New Testament Jesus himself was In the New Testament Jesus himself was baptized and commanded:baptized and commanded:

Baptism is foreshadowed in the Old Testament Baptism is foreshadowed in the Old Testament accounts of creation and the Great Floodaccounts of creation and the Great Flood

In the New Testament Jesus himself was In the New Testament Jesus himself was baptized and commanded:baptized and commanded:

Go, therefore, and make disciples ofall nations, baptizing them in the name

of the Father, and of the Son, and ofthe holy Spirit, teaching them all that

I have commanded you. Mt 28:19-20


BaptismBaptism

Infant BaptismInfant Baptism

The practice of infant Baptism shows that Salvation is a pure gift of Christ’s grace that extends even to children. The practice of infant Baptism shows that Salvation is a pure gift of Christ’s grace that extends even to children.

It shows that that the Church relies on the faith of the parents, godparents, and all the Church to ensure that It shows that that the Church relies on the faith of the parents, godparents, and all the Church to ensure that infants are baptized in a faith-filled environmentinfants are baptized in a faith-filled environment

The essential rite is when the minister pours water on the head of the child three times and The essential rite is when the minister pours water on the head of the child three times and pronounces the words, “N., I baptized pronounces the words, “N., I baptized you in the name of the Father, and you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.” of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.”

Infant BaptismInfant Baptism

The practice of infant Baptism shows that Salvation is a pure gift of Christ’s grace that extends even to children. The practice of infant Baptism shows that Salvation is a pure gift of Christ’s grace that extends even to children.

It shows that that the Church relies on the faith of the parents, godparents, and all the Church to ensure that It shows that that the Church relies on the faith of the parents, godparents, and all the Church to ensure that infants are baptized in a faith-filled environmentinfants are baptized in a faith-filled environment

The essential rite is when the minister pours water on the head of the child three times and The essential rite is when the minister pours water on the head of the child three times and pronounces the words, “N., I baptized pronounces the words, “N., I baptized you in the name of the Father, and you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.” of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.”


BaptismBaptism

Symbols of Baptism Symbols of Baptism Symbols of Baptism Symbols of Baptism

SymbolSymbol

WaterWater

OilOil

White White garmentgarment

CandleCandle

SymbolSymbol

WaterWater

OilOil

White White garmentgarment

CandleCandle

MeaningMeaning

cleansing, death to an old life of sin and rebirth into cleansing, death to an old life of sin and rebirth into new life with Christnew life with Christ

anointing with Christ (the “anointed one”), we belong anointing with Christ (the “anointed one”), we belong to him, we receive the Holy Spirit who protects, to him, we receive the Holy Spirit who protects, guides, strengthensguides, strengthens

purity, happiness, and a new identity of living in purity, happiness, and a new identity of living in union with the Lordunion with the Lord

Christ is the light of the world and his followers Christ is the light of the world and his followers should be Christ’s light to othersshould be Christ’s light to others

MeaningMeaning

cleansing, death to an old life of sin and rebirth into cleansing, death to an old life of sin and rebirth into new life with Christnew life with Christ

anointing with Christ (the “anointed one”), we belong anointing with Christ (the “anointed one”), we belong to him, we receive the Holy Spirit who protects, to him, we receive the Holy Spirit who protects, guides, strengthensguides, strengthens

purity, happiness, and a new identity of living in purity, happiness, and a new identity of living in union with the Lordunion with the Lord

Christ is the light of the world and his followers Christ is the light of the world and his followers should be Christ’s light to othersshould be Christ’s light to others


BaptismBaptism

Effects of BaptismEffects of BaptismEffects of BaptismEffects of Baptism

Baptism forgives both Original Sin and personal sin and remits all punishment due to sin

Baptism gives us birth into a new life in Christ

Baptism gives us birth into a new life in Christ

Baptism initiates and incorporates us into Christ’s Body, the Church Baptism seals Christians with and

indelible spiritual character that marks us as belonging to Christ



The Sacrament of Confirmation completes the The Sacrament of Confirmation completes the sacramental grace of Baptismsacramental grace of Baptism

Today Confirmation is often received in the teen Today Confirmation is often received in the teen years to help represent a teen’s increasing years to help represent a teen’s increasing personal commitment to the faithpersonal commitment to the faith

Prayer and the Sacrament of Prayer and the Sacrament of Penance are part of the Penance are part of the preparation for the sacramentpreparation for the sacrament

A sponsor accompanies the A sponsor accompanies the candidate in preparation for candidate in preparation for the ritethe rite

The Sacrament of Confirmation completes the The Sacrament of Confirmation completes the sacramental grace of Baptismsacramental grace of Baptism

Today Confirmation is often received in the teen Today Confirmation is often received in the teen years to help represent a teen’s increasing years to help represent a teen’s increasing personal commitment to the faithpersonal commitment to the faith

Prayer and the Sacrament of Prayer and the Sacrament of Penance are part of the Penance are part of the preparation for the sacramentpreparation for the sacrament

A sponsor accompanies the A sponsor accompanies the candidate in preparation for candidate in preparation for the ritethe rite



The effects of ConfirmationThe effects of Confirmation The full outpouring of the Holy SpiritThe full outpouring of the Holy Spirit Binding us more closely to the Church Binding us more closely to the Church

and more firmly to Christand more firmly to Christ Increasing the gifts of the Holy Spirit in us, Increasing the gifts of the Holy Spirit in us,

especially his strength to spread and defend the Christian faith by word and deedespecially his strength to spread and defend the Christian faith by word and deed

Like Baptism, Confirmation imprints an indelible spiritual mark on the soul and so can be received only Like Baptism, Confirmation imprints an indelible spiritual mark on the soul and so can be received only onceonce

The effects of ConfirmationThe effects of Confirmation The full outpouring of the Holy SpiritThe full outpouring of the Holy Spirit Binding us more closely to the Church Binding us more closely to the Church

and more firmly to Christand more firmly to Christ Increasing the gifts of the Holy Spirit in us, Increasing the gifts of the Holy Spirit in us,

especially his strength to spread and defend the Christian faith by word and deedespecially his strength to spread and defend the Christian faith by word and deed

Like Baptism, Confirmation imprints an indelible spiritual mark on the soul and so can be received only Like Baptism, Confirmation imprints an indelible spiritual mark on the soul and so can be received only onceonce



Roots and history of ConfirmationRoots and history of Confirmation In the Old Testament, the prophets promised In the Old Testament, the prophets promised

the Spirit would rest on the Messiahthe Spirit would rest on the Messiah In the New Testament, the origin is found in the In the New Testament, the origin is found in the

apostolic laying on of handsapostolic laying on of hands In the Western Church the custom grew of the In the Western Church the custom grew of the

bishop “confirming” the baptismal bishop “confirming” the baptismal commitment of those baptized as infantscommitment of those baptized as infants

Eastern Rite Churches administer all three Eastern Rite Churches administer all three initiation sacraments at the same timeinitiation sacraments at the same time

Roots and history of ConfirmationRoots and history of Confirmation In the Old Testament, the prophets promised In the Old Testament, the prophets promised

the Spirit would rest on the Messiahthe Spirit would rest on the Messiah In the New Testament, the origin is found in the In the New Testament, the origin is found in the

apostolic laying on of handsapostolic laying on of hands In the Western Church the custom grew of the In the Western Church the custom grew of the

bishop “confirming” the baptismal bishop “confirming” the baptismal commitment of those baptized as infantscommitment of those baptized as infants

Eastern Rite Churches administer all three Eastern Rite Churches administer all three initiation sacraments at the same timeinitiation sacraments at the same time

While Apollos was in Corinth, Paul traveled through the interior of the country and came (down) to Ephesus where he found some disciples. He said to them, them, "Did you receive the holy Spirit when you became believers?” Theyanswered him, “We have never even heard that there is a

holy Spirit.“ He said, “How were you baptized?" They replied, "With the baptism of John.“ Paul then said, "John baptized with a baptism of repentance, telling the people to believe in the one who was to come after him, that is,

in Jesus.“ When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. And when Paul laid (his) hands

on them, the holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied.

Acts 19:1-6



The Rite of ConfirmationThe Rite of Confirmation Renewal of baptismal promises Renewal of baptismal promises

and profession of faithand profession of faith The bishop extends hands overThe bishop extends hands over

the confirmands and invokes the the confirmands and invokes the outpouring of the Holy Spirit outpouring of the Holy Spirit

The minister anoints the forehead with Chrism, The minister anoints the forehead with Chrism, lands on his hand, and recites the words: “Be lands on his hand, and recites the words: “Be sealed with the Gift of the Holy Spirit.”sealed with the Gift of the Holy Spirit.”

The sign of peace concludes the rite The sign of peace concludes the rite

The Rite of ConfirmationThe Rite of Confirmation Renewal of baptismal promises Renewal of baptismal promises

and profession of faithand profession of faith The bishop extends hands overThe bishop extends hands over

the confirmands and invokes the the confirmands and invokes the outpouring of the Holy Spirit outpouring of the Holy Spirit

The minister anoints the forehead with Chrism, The minister anoints the forehead with Chrism, lands on his hand, and recites the words: “Be lands on his hand, and recites the words: “Be sealed with the Gift of the Holy Spirit.”sealed with the Gift of the Holy Spirit.”

The sign of peace concludes the rite The sign of peace concludes the rite


EucharistEucharist

Sacrament of the EucharistSacrament of the Eucharist Completes a person’s Christian initiationCompletes a person’s Christian initiation Is foreshadowed when: Is foreshadowed when:

●● the priest Melchizedek offered God bread and wine the priest Melchizedek offered God bread and wine

●● God gave manna to the Chosen People God gave manna to the Chosen People

●● Jesus’ multiplied the loaves and fishes Jesus’ multiplied the loaves and fishes

●● Jesus changes water into wine at Cana Jesus changes water into wine at Cana

●● Jesus declared the importance of Jesus declared the importance of eating his body and drinking his blood eating his body and drinking his blood

●● Jesus celebrated the Last Supper Jesus celebrated the Last Supper

Sacrament of the EucharistSacrament of the Eucharist Completes a person’s Christian initiationCompletes a person’s Christian initiation Is foreshadowed when: Is foreshadowed when:

●● the priest Melchizedek offered God bread and wine the priest Melchizedek offered God bread and wine

●● God gave manna to the Chosen People God gave manna to the Chosen People

●● Jesus’ multiplied the loaves and fishes Jesus’ multiplied the loaves and fishes

●● Jesus changes water into wine at Cana Jesus changes water into wine at Cana

●● Jesus declared the importance of Jesus declared the importance of eating his body and drinking his blood eating his body and drinking his blood

●● Jesus celebrated the Last Supper Jesus celebrated the Last Supper


EucharistEucharist

Names for the Eucharist Names for the Eucharist Names for the Eucharist Names for the Eucharist

Eucharist“thanksgiving”

HolySacrifice

Holy andDivineLiturgy

HolyMass

Lord’sSupper

MostBlessed

Sacrament

EucharisticAssembly

Holy Communion

Breakingthe

Bread


EucharistEucharist

The Celebration of the MassThe Celebration of the MassThe Celebration of the MassThe Celebration of the Mass

INTRODUCTORY RITESEntrance & Greeting

Penitential RiteGloria

Opening Prayer

LITURGY OFTHE WORD

First ReadingResponsorial Psalm

Second ReadingAlleluia or Acclamation

GospelHomilyCreed

General Intercessions

LITURGY OF THE EUCHARIST

OffertoryEucharistic PrayerCommunion Rite

CONCLUDING RITEBlessingDismissal



AdventAdvent – prepares for – prepares for Christ’s comingChrist’s coming

Christmas SeasonChristmas Season – a feast – a feast that proclaims Emmanuelthat proclaims Emmanuel

Ordinary TimeOrdinary Time 1 1

LentLent – prepares us for the – prepares us for the solemn and joyful feast solemn and joyful feast of Easterof Easter

TriduumTriduum – celebrates our – celebrates our Redemption in ChristRedemption in Christ

Easter SeasonEaster Season


AdventAdvent – prepares for – prepares for Christ’s comingChrist’s coming

Christmas SeasonChristmas Season – a feast – a feast that proclaims Emmanuelthat proclaims Emmanuel


LentLent – prepares us for the – prepares us for the solemn and joyful feast solemn and joyful feast of Easterof Easter

TriduumTriduum – celebrates our – celebrates our Redemption in ChristRedemption in Christ

Easter SeasonEaster Season




SacramentalsSacramentals Sacred signs that resemble sacraments Sacred signs that resemble sacraments Help us become aware of Christ’s presence Help us become aware of Christ’s presence Prepare us to received the sacraments Prepare us to received the sacraments They include: They include:

objectsobjects: candles, holy water, statues, icons, rosary : candles, holy water, statues, icons, rosary beads, relics, scapulars, church buildings beads, relics, scapulars, church buildings actionsactions: blessings, genuflections, the Sign of the Cross: blessings, genuflections, the Sign of the Crossplacesplaces: the Holy Land, Rome, Lourdes, chapels: the Holy Land, Rome, Lourdes, chapelsprayersprayers: grace before meals: grace before mealssacred timesacred time: holy days, feasts of saints, Fridays in Lent: holy days, feasts of saints, Fridays in Lent

SacramentalsSacramentals Sacred signs that resemble sacraments Sacred signs that resemble sacraments Help us become aware of Christ’s presence Help us become aware of Christ’s presence Prepare us to received the sacraments Prepare us to received the sacraments They include: They include:

objectsobjects: candles, holy water, statues, icons, rosary : candles, holy water, statues, icons, rosary beads, relics, scapulars, church buildings beads, relics, scapulars, church buildings actionsactions: blessings, genuflections, the Sign of the Cross: blessings, genuflections, the Sign of the Crossplacesplaces: the Holy Land, Rome, Lourdes, chapels: the Holy Land, Rome, Lourdes, chapelsprayersprayers: grace before meals: grace before mealssacred timesacred time: holy days, feasts of saints, Fridays in Lent: holy days, feasts of saints, Fridays in Lent

FriendshipFriendship (160) (160) SacramentSacrament (160) (160) CatechumenCatechumen (161) (161) NeophytesNeophytes (161) (161) RCIARCIA (161) (161) Essential riteEssential rite (163) (163) ChrismChrism (163) (163) ChristChrist (164) (164) ConfirmandsConfirmands (167) (167) MyronMyron (167) (167) RiteRite (168) (168) EucharistEucharist (170) (170)

LiturgyLiturgy (171) (171) SacrificeSacrifice (171) (171) TransubstantiationTransubstantiation (171) (171) PrefacePreface (173) (173) EpiclesisEpiclesis (174) (174) AnamnesisAnamnesis (174) (174) EmmanuelEmmanuel (175) (175) LentLent (176) (176) TriduumTriduum (176) (176) SacramentalsSacramentals (176) (176) IconsIcons (177) (177)


VOCABULARY VOCABULARY

Dear Jesus,Dear Jesus, help me to spread your fragrance wherever I go.help me to spread your fragrance wherever I go. Flood my soul with your spirit and life.Flood my soul with your spirit and life. Penetrate and possess my whole being so utterlyPenetrate and possess my whole being so utterly that my life may only be a radiance of yours.that my life may only be a radiance of yours. Shine through me and be so in me that every soul I come Shine through me and be so in me that every soul I come in contact within contact with may feel your presence in my soul.may feel your presence in my soul.

Let them look up and see no longer me, but only Jesus!Let them look up and see no longer me, but only Jesus! Stay with me and then I will begin to shine as you shine,Stay with me and then I will begin to shine as you shine, so to shine as to be a light to others.so to shine as to be a light to others.

The light, O Jesus, will be all from you; none of it will be The light, O Jesus, will be all from you; none of it will be mine.mine. It will be you, shining on others through me.It will be you, shining on others through me. Let me thus praise you in the way which you love best,Let me thus praise you in the way which you love best, by shining on those around me.by shining on those around me. Let me preach you without preaching, not by words but by Let me preach you without preaching, not by words but by example,example, by the catching force, the sympathetic influence of what I by the catching force, the sympathetic influence of what I do,do, the evident fullness of the love my heart bears for you. the evident fullness of the love my heart bears for you. Amen.Amen.

Th

e Je

sus

Pra

yer

of

Car

din

al N

ewm

anT

he

Jesu

s P

raye

r o

f C

ard

inal

New

man


Documents

Our Catholic Faith Living What We Believe CHAPTER 6 The Sacraments of Initiation Our Need for Signs and Symbols Baptism Confirmation Eucharist