Sacraments of InitiationSacraments of Initiation

BaptismBaptism

Sacraments of InitiationSacraments of Initiation

The sacraments of initiation are Baptism, The sacraments of initiation are Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist.Confirmation, and Eucharist.

They are the foundations of the Christian They are the foundations of the Christian life.life.

They are closely related – in each we They are closely related – in each we receive the Holy Spirit and His gifts.receive the Holy Spirit and His gifts.

Each has its special symbols and effects.Each has its special symbols and effects.

Primary effects of the Sacraments Primary effects of the Sacraments of Initiationof Initiation

Baptism – beginning of new life in ChristBaptism – beginning of new life in Christ

Confirmation – strengthening us to live Confirmation – strengthening us to live more fully Christ’s call to servemore fully Christ’s call to serve

Eucharist – nourish us to live as Christ’s Eucharist – nourish us to live as Christ’s disciples as we journey through lifedisciples as we journey through life

History of BaptismHistory of Baptism

Water in the Old Testament – creation, the Water in the Old Testament – creation, the flood, Red Sea, flood, Red Sea,

New Testament – Baptism of Jesus, New Testament – Baptism of Jesus, Nicodemus, AscensionNicodemus, Ascension

Baptism – first sacrament celebrated in the Baptism – first sacrament celebrated in the early church (Acts of the Apostles)early church (Acts of the Apostles)

Concentrated on adult convertsConcentrated on adult converts

History of BaptismHistory of Baptism

By the second and third centuries, By the second and third centuries, programs for preparation for Baptism programs for preparation for Baptism evolvedevolved Catechumenate – preparation involving study, Catechumenate – preparation involving study,

prayer, fasting, and service over several yearsprayer, fasting, and service over several years Each catechumen would have a sponsor.Each catechumen would have a sponsor. Baptism by immersion took place during the Baptism by immersion took place during the

Easter Vigil, presided over by the Bishop.Easter Vigil, presided over by the Bishop. Confirmation and Eucharist also celebrated at Confirmation and Eucharist also celebrated at

this time.this time.

Baptism of infantsBaptism of infants

Baptism of infants became popular around Baptism of infants became popular around the fourth century.the fourth century.

Doctrine of original sin affected the Doctrine of original sin affected the practice of infant baptism.practice of infant baptism.

Priests began baptizing; the bishop would Priests began baptizing; the bishop would come later for Confirmation.come later for Confirmation.

RCIARCIA

Rite of Christian Initiation of AdultsRite of Christian Initiation of Adults Process by which adults become Process by which adults become

members of the Catholic church. It lasts members of the Catholic church. It lasts for a year or more.for a year or more.

Catechumens prepare by study and Catechumens prepare by study and involvement in the parish.involvement in the parish.

The sacraments of initiation are received The sacraments of initiation are received at the Easter Vigil.at the Easter Vigil.

Effects of BaptismEffects of Baptism

Welcome into the Christian community.Welcome into the Christian community. Forgiveness of sins – original sin and any Forgiveness of sins – original sin and any

other sins we have committedother sins we have committed Born into new life – marked by the Born into new life – marked by the

sacramental character which is indelible sacramental character which is indelible and cannot be repeated.and cannot be repeated.

Reception of the Holy SpiritReception of the Holy Spirit Necessary for salvation – baptism of Necessary for salvation – baptism of

water, blood, and desirewater, blood, and desire

Baptismal riteBaptismal rite

Essential symbol – blessed water poured Essential symbol – blessed water poured over the person (or immersion in the over the person (or immersion in the water) and the words, “I baptize you in the water) and the words, “I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.”the Holy Spirit.”

Minister – priest or deacon or anyone in an Minister – priest or deacon or anyone in an emergencyemergency

Symbols – baptismal promises, candle, Symbols – baptismal promises, candle, white robe, anointing with Chrismwhite robe, anointing with Chrism