chapter 12: baptism and confirmation introduction to catholicism

Chapter 12: Baptism and ConfirmationINTRODUCTION TO CATHOLICISM

ANTICIPATORY SET Incorporate the story of St. Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch (cf. Acts 8:27-39) into the Opening Prayer and write for a few minutes on what it reveals about the Sacrament of Baptism.

1. Baptism (pp. 262-272)

BASIC QUESTIONS What is the Sacrament of Baptism? Who can be baptized? What are the matter, form, and minister of Baptism? KEY IDEAS Baptism is the first of the Seven Sacraments. Through

Baptism, God forgives personal and Original Sin, infuses sanctifying and actual graces, and incorporates the recipient into the Church.

Baptism is given both to adults, usually through a process called the catechumenate, and to infants.

The matter of Baptism is water; the form is “I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit”; and the ordinary minister is a bishop, priest, or deacon, although in an emergency anyone can baptize.

1. Baptism (pp. 262-272)

FOCUS QUESTIONS

The Ethiopian eunuch was a Gentile and, as a eunuch, prevented by the Mosaic Law from entering into the Covenant of Abraham. What significance did his Baptism have for the early Church? The salvation offered by Christ was universal, i.e., it was for people of all nations, Gentile as well as Jew. A person did not have to become Jewish before becoming Christian.

What is significant about the people of Samaria receiving the Word of God and Baptism? Samaritans were considered unclean and were traditionally shunned by the Jews. Again, this stresses the universality of Christ’s redemption and message of salvation.

What Sacrament was conveyed by the laying on of hands, and what was its effect? The Apostles conveyed the Sacrament of Confirmation, which conferred the Holy Spirit on the recipients.

1. Baptism (pp. 262-272)

FOCUS QUESTIONS What are the two methods of Baptism? The two methods of Baptism are (1) immersion in water and (2) water poured over the head while the baptismal formula is pronounced. What is the effect of Baptism? The effect of Baptism is the cleansing of all sin and the reception of sanctifying grace.

1. Baptism (pp. 262-272)

FOCUS QUESTIONS How is Baptism a “door”? Baptism is the entrance to the Church and to the other Sacraments. What are some Old Testament prefigurations of Christian Baptism? Old Testament prefigurations of Baptism include God’s Spirit hovering over the waters at the Creation, Noah’s deliverance from the great Flood, the Israelites’ escape from enslavement in Egypt by crossing the Red Sea, and the entrance of the Chosen People into the Promised Land by crossing the River Jordan.

1. Baptism (pp. 262-272)

GUIDED EXERCISE Perform a focused reading of the paragraph “The importance of Baptism” (p. 265), using the following question: What is the connection between St. John’s and

Christ’s baptisms?

1. Baptism (pp. 262-272)

FOCUS QUESTIONS

How can it be known that Christ instituted Baptism? The New Testament reveals that, after his Resurrection, Christ commissioned his Apostles to baptize and to teach what he commanded. What connection did Christ make between Baptism and salvation? He taught that Baptism is necessary for salvation: “He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned” (Mk 16:16). Extension: However, Baptism by water is not always strictly necessary for salvation. Please see the sidebar “Baptism of Blood and Baptism of Desire” (p. 272). How is Baptism a rebirth? Jesus told Nicodemus one had to be “‘born anew’” (Jn 3:3) of water and the Spirit to enter the Kingdom of God.

1. Baptism (pp. 262-272)

FOCUS QUESTIONS What does being born of water and the Spirit mean? Being born of water and Spirit means entering into the life of the Holy Spirit through the waters of Baptism. How is Baptism related to the Death and Resurrection of Christ? Being immersed in the waters of Baptism is a death to sin, and being raised out of the waters is a birth to new life. By Baptism a person is incorporated into the Death and Resurrection of Christ.

1. Baptism (pp. 262-272)

FOCUS QUESTIONS Where is Baptism normally celebrated? Baptism is normally celebrated in a church using a baptismal font. Who are catechumens? Catechumens are unbaptized persons (usually adults) who have been taking part in an extended formation process to prepare them to enter the Catholic Church.

1. Baptism (pp. 262-272)

FOCUS QUESTIONS Must a person have reached the age of reason in order to be baptized? No; Baptism may be received either by persons who have or who have not reached the age of reason. Extension: The age of reason refers to the age at which a person is mature enough to be responsible for his or her actions. It is usually about age seven. What are the requirements for Baptism for those who have reached the age of reason? They must want to be baptized, receive sufficient instruction to understand the Faith and its obligations, demonstrate by their actions they intend to live the Christian life, and be sorry for their sins.

1. Baptism (pp. 262-272)

FOCUS QUESTIONS What are the requirements for Baptism for those who have not reached the age of reason? At least one of the parents must consent to the Baptism, and there must be hope that the child will be brought up in the Faith. Is infant Baptism a new practice in the Church? No; it has been practiced since the earliest days of the Church and is implicit in Scripture. What is the Scriptural evidence for infant Baptism? The Acts of the Apostles speaks of whole households receiving Baptism.

1. Baptism (pp. 262-272)

FOCUS QUESTIONS How soon should Christian parents have their children baptized? Christian parents should have their children baptized as soon as possible after birth. Extension: Catholics in the Eastern Churches generally baptize their children about forty days after birth in imitation of Christ’s Presentation in the Temple, celebrated on February 2. Why should Christian parents have their babies baptized? Parents have the obligation to nurture the life that God has entrusted to them. Baptism is a priceless gift that releases children from the power of darkness, gives them the freedom of the children of God, and initiates them into the life of grace.

1. Baptism (pp. 262-272)

FOCUS QUESTIONS What is an exorcism? It is an act whereby the Church, publicly and authoritatively, asks in the name of Jesus Christ that a person or object be protected against the power of the Evil One and from his dominion. How many prayers of exorcism are there in the Rite of Baptism? There are two prayers of exorcism in the Rite of Baptism in the Latin Rite of the Church. What does the Church do in her baptismal exorcisms? By the power of Christ, the Church casts out any impure spirits who may be present in the person to be baptized, and she prays that the person will now be disposed to hear and proclaim the Faith.

1. Baptism (pp. 262-272)

FOCUS QUESTIONS What are the matter, form, and minister of Baptism? The matter is water; the form is “I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit”; and the ordinary minister is a bishop, priest, or deacon. Who can baptize in a grave emergency? Anyone can baptize in a grave emergency, as long as he or she intends to confer the Sacrament, pours water over the person’s head, and recites the words of Baptism. Extension: Even an unbaptized person can baptize in this case.

1. Baptism (pp. 262-272)

FOCUS QUESTIONS What is the difference between immersion and affusion? Immersion is Baptism by going under water. Affusion is Baptism by pouring water over a person. What is the method of Baptism ordinarily used in the Eastern Rites? Triple immersion is the method of Baptism ordinarily used in the Eastern Rites.

1. Baptism (pp. 262-272)

FOCUS QUESTION How is the reception of the Sacraments of Initiation different in the Eastern and Western Catholic Churches? In the Eastern Catholic Churches, all three Sacraments of Initiation—Baptism, Eucharist, and Chrismation (Confirmation)—are ordinarily conferred at the same time, even for infants. In the Western Church, however, the three Sacraments are normally conferred together only in the case of an adult convert.

1. Baptism (pp. 262-272)

FOCUS QUESTIONS What is a godparent? A godparent is a practicing Catholic, at least age sixteen, who helps teach and model the Faith for the newly baptized person. Who makes the baptismal promises for children who cannot speak for themselves? The parents or godparents make the baptismal promises for such children.

1. Baptism (pp. 262-272)

GUIDED EXERCISE Working with a partner, make a bullet-point list of the many effects of Baptism, expressing each one as briefly as possible.

1. Baptism (pp. 262-272)

FOCUS QUESTIONS How does Baptism bond Catholics with many other Christians? Many other Christian churches validly baptize, and all who are validly baptized are fellow Christians despite being separated. Are validly baptized Christian converts to Catholicism re-baptized? No; a valid Baptism is celebrated only once. What is conditional Baptism? Conditional Baptism is given to a convert when it is not certain whether he or she was validly baptized.

1. Baptism (pp. 262-272)

GUIDED EXERCISE Work with a partner to write and answer what you consider to be the three most important Focus Questions that can be asked about the material in the Sidebar, “The Catechumenate” (p. 270).

1. Baptism (pp. 262-272)

GUIDED EXERCISE Work with a partner to articulate in writing how people can be saved with or without formal Baptism, based on the sidebar, “Baptism of Blood and Baptism of Desire” (p. 272).

1. Baptism (pp. 262-272)

CLOSURE Write a paragraph defining the Sacrament of Baptism.

1. Baptism (pp. 262-272)

HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENT Study Questions 1-14 (p. 282) Practical Exercises 1-2 (p. 283) Workbook Questions 1-24 Read “II. The Sacrament of Confirmation” through

“Conclusion” (pp. 272-278)

1. Baptism (pp. 262-272)

ALTERNATIVE ASSESSMENT Choose two or more effects of the Sacrament of Baptism and free write about the relationship among them.

1. Baptism (pp. 262-272)

ANTICIPATORY SET Write for a few minutes about what the account of Sts. Peter and John in Samaria (cf. Acts 8:14-17) reveals concerning the Sacrament of Confirmation.

2. Confirmation (pp. 272-278)

BASIC QUESTIONS What is the Sacrament of Confirmation? What are the matter, form, and minister of Confirmation? KEY IDEAS Confirmation is the second of the Sacraments of

Initiation. It completes the grace of Baptism by a special outpouring of the gifts of the Holy Spirit, seals or confirms the baptized in union with Christ, and equips him or her for worship and apostolic life in the Church.

In Confirmation, the matter is anointing with Sacred Chrism and the laying on of hands; the form is “Be sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit”; and the minister is the bishop or a delegated priest.


FOCUS QUESTIONS What is the purpose of Confirmation? Confirmation perfects the grace received in Baptism, passing on the grace of Pentecost, including an increase of the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Why is Confirmation important in the modern world? The Church is under attack in modern society for her faithfulness to Jesus Christ. In Confirmation, Christians receive the spiritual strength needed to bear witness to Christ in the world. How is Confirmation prefigured in the Old Testament? Confirmation is prefigured in the Old Testament when Isaiah prophesized that the Holy Spirit would rest upon the Messiah and empower him for his mission of salvation (cf. Is 11:2).


FOCUS QUESTIONS When was Isaiah’s prophecy fulfilled (cf. p. 272)? This prophecy was fulfilled when the Holy Spirit descended on Christ at his Baptism. When was Christ’s promise of an outpouring of the Holy Spirit fulfilled? His promise was fulfilled at Pentecost. How did Sts. Peter and John confer Confirmation on the Samaritan converts to Christ? They conferred Confirmation on the Samaritan converts by the laying on of hands.


FOCUS QUESTIONS Who may receive Confirmation? Every baptized person may and should receive the Sacrament of Confirmation. In the Western Catholic Church, when is Confirmation normally received? It is normally received after a person reaches the age of reason. The exact age is left to the discretion of the local bishop.


FOCUS QUESTIONS What is the rationale for young people receiving Confirmation between the seventh and twelfth grades? The expectation is that young people of these ages are capable of spiritual maturity and have the will, with the help of grace, to act as Christ wishes even in difficult situations. According to the Catechism, no. 1309, what should be the focus of catechesis for Confirmation? It should focus on the confirmand attaining a more intimate union with Christ; a more lively familiarity with the Holy Spirit; a sense of belonging to the Church, at both the universal and local level; and an understanding of a mature Christian’s responsibilities.


FOCUS QUESTION What are the matter, form, and minister of Confirmation? The matter is anointing with Sacred Chrism and the laying on of hands. The form is the words, “N., be sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit.” The minister is the bishop, who may delegate this authority to a priest (extraordinary minister). Extension: In the Eastern Catholic Churches, the form is, “The seal of the gift of the Holy Spirit.”


FOCUS QUESTIONS What does oil signify, according to Isaiah? According to Isaiah, oil signifies abundance and joy. What does the laying on of hands signify? The laying on of hands signifies the calling down of the Holy Spirit upon a person, generally one being commissioned for a special task or in need of healing.


FOCUS QUESTIONS What is the purpose of the light slap on the cheek in the extraordinary form of the Rite of Confirmation? It reminds the recipient that the service of Christ is difficult and can even be dangerous, and so he or she needs strength. What does it mean to be a soldier of Christ? It means to seek strength through grace, to share and teach the Catholic Faith, and to be willing to suffer for the sake of Jesus Christ.


FOCUS QUESTIONS What is the meaning of being sealed by the Holy Spirit? A seal “is a symbol of a person, a sign of personal authority, or ownership of an object” (CCC 1295). Being sealed with Holy Spirit means a person belongs totally to Christ, is enrolled in his service, and is under his protection. Why is a priest the usual minister of Confirmation in the Eastern Catholic Churches? Infants receive Baptism and Confirmation at the same time. What is the role of a Confirmation sponsor? He or she assists in preparing the candidate for the Sacrament and helps the confirmed act as a true witness of Christ, faithfully fulfilling the obligations that he or she has undertaken.


FOCUS QUESTIONS Who conferred the three Sacraments of Initiation in the early Church? The local bishop conferred the three Sacraments of Initiation. Why did this practice become a problem as the Church grew? As the number of converts and the size of his diocese grew, the bishop had a hard time administering these Sacraments to everyone who asked for them.


FOCUS QUESTIONS What was the usual solution to this problem in Western part of the empire? Baptism was celebrated by the parish priest, and Confirmation was celebrated by the bishop occasionally throughout the year. What was the usual solution to this problem in Eastern part of the empire? The parish priest conferred Baptism and Confirmation together.


FOCUS QUESTIONS In the Eastern Catholic Churches, how is the bishop’s tie to Confirmation maintained? The Sacred Chrism, called myron, used in Confirmation is blessed by the bishop. What does each practice emphasize according to CCC 1292? The practice of the Eastern Catholic Churches emphasizes the unity of the Sacraments of Initiation, whereas the practice of the Western Catholic Church emphasizes communion with the bishop and the connection with the apostolic origins of the Church.


GUIDED EXERCISE Conduct a Think/Pair/Write/Share using the following question: Why do you think that not only the forehead but also

the eyes, nose, ears, lips, chest, back, hands, and feet are anointed in the Byzantine Rite?


GUIDED EXERCISE Work with a partner to make a bullet-point list of the effects of Confirmation, expressing each one as briefly as possible.


HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENT Study Questions 15-21 (p. 282) Practical Exercises 3-5 (p. 283) Workbook Questions 25-41


CLOSURE Write a paragraph summarizing the significance of the Sacrament of Confirmation.


ALTERNATIVE ASSESSMENT Read sidebar “An Examination of Conscience” (p. 266) and then work independently to complete Practical Exercise 2, an examination of conscience in regard to living baptismal and confirmational promises.


THE END

chapter 12: baptism and confirmation introduction to catholicism

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