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The Sacraments Section 2: The Sacraments of Initiation (Part 1)

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The Sacraments. Section 2: The Sacraments of Initiation (Part 1). Part 1: Baptism. The Sacraments of Initiation are the Sacraments that welcome, or initiate, people into the Catholic Church fully. The Sacraments of Initiation consist of three Sacraments: Baptism Holy Communion Confirmation. - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

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Page 1: The Sacraments

The SacramentsSection 2: The Sacraments of Initiation (Part 1)

Page 2: The Sacraments

Part 1: Baptism• The Sacraments of Initiation are the

Sacraments that welcome, or initiate, people into the Catholic Church fully.

• The Sacraments of Initiation consist of three Sacraments:

• Baptism• Holy Communion• Confirmation

Page 3: The Sacraments

Part 1: Baptism• Baptism is the first of the seven Sacraments by

which a person becomes a new member of the Church and a new creation of God.

• Baptism comes from a word meaning “to plunge,” appropriate since we are plunged into the waters of death and arise from them to a new life in Christ.

• Baptism is also called the “bath of enlightenment” because we receive the true light that is Christ.

• Water has been the source of all life, as the Holy Spirit hovered over it at Creation, and hovers over the newly Baptized.

Page 4: The Sacraments

Part 1: Baptism• The great flood at Noah’s time shows how water

can be deadly, and how we must be plunged into the water of death to arise, like Noah, to new life in the Promise Land, or the Kingdom of God.

• Baptism also finds in route in the parting of the Red Sea as Christ allowed the Israelites to pass through water, passing from slavery to freedom, as we do from slavery to sin to being washed clean of original sin.

• The River Jordan, where John the Baptist baptized Christ, symbolizes Baptism from the Old Testament to the New Testament.

Page 5: The Sacraments

Part 1: Baptism• The Jewish people

also crossed the Jordan River to go into the Promised Land.

• These four events are all recalled at Baptism and are part of our salvation history.

Page 6: The Sacraments

Part 1: Baptism• When Jesus was baptized, the Holy Spirit

descended upon Him and the voice of God echoed throughout the area.

• Jesus spoke of His Passion as something He was to be baptized with.

• Saint Peter speaks to the crowds after Christ’s Ascension and says “Repent and be baptized,” symbolizing our need to be baptized to receive Christ and forgiveness of our sins.

Page 7: The Sacraments

Part 1: Baptism• A catechumen is an unbaptized person preparing

to be initiated into the Church through formal prayer and study.

• The Sacraments of Christian Initiation in the early centuries took place on the night of the Easter Vigil, as one went from darkness into the light, from Christ’s death into His Resurrection.

• A catechist is the person who teaches a catechumen along the way before they receive the Sacraments of Initiation on the Easter Vigil; Mrs. Hatler is a catchesis.

Page 8: The Sacraments

Part 1: Baptism• To following are essential parts of the Initiation

process:

• Proclamation of the Word of God• Acceptance of the Gospel and conversion to a new way of

life• The profession of faith• Baptism• Outpouring of the Holy Spirit• Reception of Holy Communion

Page 9: The Sacraments

Part 1: Baptism• Children today are baptized before reaching the

age of reason, which is age 7, and complete the initiation process in their teenage years.

• When a person is seven years or older, they go through RCIA, or Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults.

• Some may be baptized in another Christian faith, which means they will not be baptized again in some instances, and will prepare for the other two initiation Sacraments.

• The unbaptized prepare for all three initiation Sacraments in a year long preparation process.

Page 10: The Sacraments

Part 1: Baptism• The RCIA Process has seven stages- four distinct

period and three steps:

• Period of Inquiry• First Step: Acceptance into the Order of Catechumens• Period of Catechumenate• Second Step: Rite of Election• Period of Purification and Enlightenment• Third Step: Celebration of the Sacraments of Initiation• Period of Post Baptismal Catechesis or Mystagogy

Page 11: The Sacraments

Part 1: Baptism• A person who wants to become a Catholic first

goes through the Period of Inquiry, where they become an inquirer and learn about the Word of God and the teachings of the Church.

• Evangelization is the proclamation of the Good News of Jesus through word and deed.

• The inquirers then enter the first step and are accepted to the Order of Catechumens by publicly declaring their intent to join the Catholic Church.

• Sponsors assist the new catechumen as guides through the RCIA process.

Page 12: The Sacraments

Part 1: Baptism• The catechumenate is a period of formation for

the catechumens about the Catholic faith.• Catechumenal formation can take form as a

Catechesis, or classes of learning which incorporates the catechumens going to the first part of Mass and listening to the Word of God; Spiritual development, in which prayer and communal activities are developed; Liturgy, which is similar to Catechesis, just without the formal training; and Apostolic witness, where actions are taught that proclaim the Gospel message.

Page 13: The Sacraments

Part 1: Baptism• The Rite of Election follows, which takes place on

the first Sunday of Lent, when the Church accepts the catechumens for the Sacraments of Initiation at the Easter Vigil.

• The catechumens are no longer by that name; they are now called the elect, since they have been chosen, or elected, by the Church for the Sacraments.

• The Rite of Election takes place at the Cathedral of each diocese in most instances.

• The Rite of Election begins with a period of purification and enlightenment.

Page 14: The Sacraments

Part 1: Baptism• Examination of conscience is performed, as is

done by all during Lent, to prepare for initiation.• During Lent, the elect take part in a series of three

scrutinies, or prayers of intercession and exorcism for the elect, showing they place their trust in God alone.

• The celebrant lays their hands on the head of the elect and prays for the Holy Spirit to touch their hearts.

• The Creed and Lord’s Prayer are said for the Elect as a handing on to them of these prayers not just to say, but to live as well.

Page 15: The Sacraments

Part 1: Baptism• Once the Easter Vigil arrives, the elect enter into

the celebration of the Sacraments of Initiation.• The Paschal Candle is the large candle processed

and lit at the Easter Vigil that symbolizes the light of Christ.

• It is kept near the Baptismal font throughout the year and lit during such liturgies as a sign of the Risen Christ’s presence among us.

• The elect come forward after the homily to be baptized as the Litany of the Saints is sung.

• The water is then blessed with the Paschal Candle as it is lowered into the waters three times.

Page 16: The Sacraments

Part 1: Baptism• The elect profess their faith in Christ and then are

baptized in the waters of death and arise again from the waters in Christ’s Resurrection.

• The baptized then wear a white garment, showing that they now wear and are guarded by Christ.

• The godparents receive a lighted candle from the Paschal Candle for the newly baptized, who are urged to keep the light of faith alive in their hearts.

• Following, the baptized are then confirmed, and the entire congregation renew their baptismal promise and are sprinkled with holy water.

Page 17: The Sacraments

Part 1: Baptism• The final Sacrament the newly baptized and

confirmed received is Holy Eucharist with the rest of the congregation.

• The newly initiated are now called neophytes, Greek for “beginners.”

• The final period is called mystagogy, in which the neophytes more fully study the Paschal mystery and begin their new life in the Church.

• This concluded the RCIA process of adults being initiated into the Catholic Church.

Page 18: The Sacraments

Part 1: Baptism

Page 19: The Sacraments

Part 1: Baptism• It has been part of ancient tradition for children to

be baptized as well, known as the Rite of Baptism for Children.

• It is similar to RCIA, must much more compressed in liturgy since instruction in the faith occurs after baptism as the child grows, not before like in RCIA.

• Baptism can be administered to children because it is a grace and a gift from God, and does not depend on any human merit.

• Baptism cleanses us of original sin, the sin of Adam and Eve turning away from God, even if a child has not committed a personal sin.

Page 20: The Sacraments

Part 1: Baptism• Parents of the child are first prepared for Baptism

by meeting with a priest or deacon to more fully understand what is to be done in Baptism.

• The liturgy begins with the reception of the child, like when catechumens are welcomed into that order.

• The Liturgy of the Word follows, with prayers of exorcism that God and the Holy Spirit will be with the child.

• The child’s chest is then anointed with the Oil of the Catechumens (Oil of Salvation) to strengthen them before Baptism.

Page 21: The Sacraments

Part 1: Baptism• The child is then either immersed into the water

or has water poured over their head in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

• The child’s head is then anointed with the Sacred Chrism, the Chrism of Salvation, which is perfumed olive oil.

• The child is then dressed in a white garment to show the child has put on Christ and has risen with Him.

• The child is then given a candle (to the godparents) and told to receive the light of Christ.

Page 22: The Sacraments

Part 1: Baptism• The theological term for the gifts we receive at

Baptism are called effects.• The effects are:

• We die and rise with Christ• We are freed from original and personal sin• We become adopted children of God• We become members of the Church and share in Christ’s

priesthood• We receive and indelible sacramental character, meaning

Baptism cannot be repeated• We are empowered by the Holy Spirit to discipleship

Page 23: The Sacraments

Part 1: Baptism• In Baptism, we are united to Christ’s Paschal

Mystery by dying and being buried with Him as one enters to waters, and rises as a new creation in his Resurrection.

• We are freed from the stain of original sin, even though we are concupiscent, meaning we tend to still commit personal sin.

• In Christ’s paschal mystery, according to Saint Paul, we were ransomed and became adopted children of God.

• We become members of Christ’s church in which we belong to Him now in which we are called to worship together and spread the Gospel.

Page 24: The Sacraments

Part 1: Baptism• Baptism is the “sacramental bond of unity.”• Even though the oils may be wiped away, an

indelible mark is left on our souls after Baptism, which means the Holy Spirit is with us.

• Baptism calls us to share in Christ’s role as priest, prophet, and king.• As prophets, we are called to speak and live God’s Word.• As kings, we are called to serve one another.• As priests, we are empowered to worship.• Common priesthood of the faithful is the priesthood for

all who are baptized by participating in Christ’s threefold mission.

Page 25: The Sacraments

Part 2: Confirmation

Page 26: The Sacraments

Part 2: Confirmation• The Holy Spirit brings true life where death abounds,

hope in despair, clarity in confusion.• The Prophets Ezekiel and Isaiah both spoke of the Holy

Spirit as giving life, especially life through God’s coming Messiah, Jesus.

• The Holy Spirit overshadowed Mary at the Annunciation and conceived Jesus through its power, meaning Jesus was of the Holy Spirit and united with Him.

• When Jesus was baptized by the prophet John the Baptist, a dove came down from Heaven and was a symbol of the Holy Spirit resting upon Christ, the long await Messiah of God that would be the anointed one of Israel.

Page 27: The Sacraments

Part 2: Confirmation• Jesus promised His Apostles at the Last Supper He

would never leave them, sending them the Holy Spirit, the Advocate, the one who would speak up for them, help and advise them and always be at their side.

• On Pentecost, the Holy Spirit came down from Heaven on Mary and the Apostles, identified also as the “promise of My Father” and the “power from on high.”

• Tongues of fire appeared over the heads of the Apostles, giving them the ability to speak in different languages to preach the Gospel message of Christ to all people of the world.

Page 28: The Sacraments

Part 2: Confirmation• Like wind, the Holy Spirit’s power is strong and

driving within us; It is not seen, but extreme powerful.

• Like fire, the Holy Spirit leads us through the darkness of this world as our guide.

• Like different languages, the Holy Spirit has many different gifts for us, leading all to the same central core mission: to spread the Gospel of Christ throughout the world.

Page 29: The Sacraments

Part 2: Confirmation• The Sacrament of Confirmation is the outpouring of

special gifts from the Holy Spirit, completing the grace of Baptism by sealing the person’s union with God and by giving them the full ability to actively participate now in the life of the Church.

• In the first centuries, Baptism and Confirmation were usually celebrated one after the other, in the same Liturgy.

• However, the bishop could not be at all Baptism/Confirmations since Baptisms went on the rise, so in the West (Latin) Church, Confirmation was delayed until the Bishop could officiate.

Page 30: The Sacraments

Part 2: Confirmation• In the Eastern Church, Baptism, Confirmation, and

Eucharist are all celebrated in the same Liturgy, even for a child, since to them, the Bishop is present at Confirmation by way of the sacred blessed oil, which was blessed by the Bishop himself.

• The Eastern Church emphasizes the unity of Baptism, Holy Eucharist, and Confirmation in one Liturgy.

• In the Latin (Western) Church, shows the connection between the newly confirmed and the Bishop, who is of the Apostolic origins and line.

Page 31: The Sacraments

Part 2: Confirmation• The Bishop is a sign that the church is one

(unified), Catholic (universal), and apostolic (descended from the Apostles).

• Every Bishop was ordained by a Bishop by a Bishop all the way back to the Apostles.

• Apostolic Succession is sacramental and is signified by the laying on of hands in the Sacrament of Holy Orders, showing the unbroken chain from the Apostles to the Bishops who shepherd the Church today.

• The office of Bishop is permanent, since he is marked with an indelible sacred character.

Page 32: The Sacraments

Part 2: Confirmation• Today, with the Catechumenate restored in the

Latin Church, Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Eucharist can occur all at one Liturgy and be performed by a priest in such instances.

• A person who wants to receive Confirmation must:

• Profess the faith• Be in a state of grace• Desire the Sacrament• Intend to live as a disciple of Christ and witness to the

faith, both inside and outside of the Church’s walls

Page 33: The Sacraments

Part 2: Confirmation• Sponsors are selected by Confirmation

Candidates, sometimes godparents, to show the unity between Baptism and Confirmation.

• At the Liturgy, the Confirmandi process into the Church with the Bishop before the Introductory Rites.

• The Liturgy of the Word is proclaimed, telling the story of how the Holy Spirit will pour forth gifts upon those who are to be confirmed for the rest of their lives.

• The Confirmandi are presented to the bishop, sometimes one by one, as ready to be confirmed.

Page 34: The Sacraments

Part 2: Confirmation• The Bishop will give a homily, followed by the

renewal of the Baptismal promises all have made, showing the close relation with Confirmation and Baptism, that we reject Satan and are in a state of grace by the help of God.

• The Laying on of Hands is a sign of the descend of the Holy Spirit upon those who the hands are laying.

• However, the laying on of hands is NOT the action by which the Confirmandi are confirmed, or sealed.

• Christ means “anointed one,” and gives us the word Christian, meaning we are all called to be anointed in Christ.

Page 35: The Sacraments

Part 2: Confirmation• Confirmation confirms and seals the baptismal

grace one receives at Baptism, making the essential rite of Confirmation the anointing with the Sacred Chrism upon the forehead of the Confirmandi.

• The Eucharist then proceeds, showing that the ultimate culmination of the Initiation Sacraments is receiving Christ’s Body and Blood.

• The Bishop gives a final blessing to the entire congregation and the Liturgy is concluded.

Page 36: The Sacraments

Part 2: Confirmation• We recognize the Holy Spirit most of the time as the

tiny whispers in our heart that call us to do good and that we act upon.

• The greatest and overarching effect of Confirmation is “the special outpouring of the Holy Spirit as once granted to the Apostles at Pentecost.

• Confirmation does the following for those confirmed:• The Holy Spirit deepens us as adopted children of God• Unites us more firmly to God• Increases the Gifts of the Holy Spirit in us• Strengthens our relationship with the Church• Brings us deeper in the Church’s mission to evangelize• Helps bear witness to our faith in words and deeds

Page 37: The Sacraments

Part 2: Confirmation• The Seven Gifts of

the Holy Spirit are:•Wisdom• Understanding• Right Judgment (Counsel)• Courage (Fortitude)• Knowledge• Reverence (Piety)•Wonder and awe (Fear of the Lord)

Page 38: The Sacraments

Part 2: Confirmation• The Fruits of the Holy

Spirit are:

• Charity• Joy• Peace• Patience• Kindness• Goodness

• Generosity• Gentleness• Faithfulness•Modesty• Self-control• Chastity

Page 39: The Sacraments

Part 2: Confirmation• The fruits of the Holy Spirit are called as such

since they are results of growth in Christ and because they are the “first fruits” of eternal life and give us a taste of Heaven on Earth.

• All through life, we discern, or find out, what is God’s will for us.

• The Holy Spirit guides us to the will of God, especially when life seems cloudy and the path fogged over; in the end, there are a few ways in which one can be lead to one’s ultimate realization of God’s love for us.

Page 40: The Sacraments

Part 2: Confirmation• Knowing and praying Sacred Scripture gives

better understanding to all aspects of the Liturgy and the Catholic Church.

• Living the Sacraments puts to good use the gifts and graces one receives from them and unifies us to God.

• Loving the Church and faith obviously help to foster growth with God since it was He who started this Church and it is the Church that is the Temple of the Holy Spirit.

• Pray to the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, to reveal God’s will to you and how to follow Christ.

Page 41: The Sacraments

Part 2: Confirmation• Rely on someone older, who you believe has a

close bond with God, to help discern how to pray for help in the face of life’s greatest woes.

• The Holy Spirit unifies us all in Christ in the end, making us Christ’s one body, His Church, which means we are all here to help one another and pray for each other; this Church is a Church of sinners and saints, working together for the greater glory of Almighty God.

Page 42: The Sacraments

Part 2: Confirmation