“We Believe” Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist Week 5 April 23, 2008

Sacraments What is a Sacrament? A sacrament is an effective sign of grace, instituted by Christ and entrusted to the Church, by which divine life is dispensed to us through the work of the Holy Spirit. (CCC #1131) – In Latin, Sacramentum = sacra (holy) mentum (thing) – In Greek, “Sacrament” is a  “musterion” (mystery)

Sacraments What is sacramental (“sanctifying”) grace? Sacramental grace is the grace of justification which: – Enables one to believe in God, love God, and hope in God, – Gives one the ability to live and act by the promptings of the Holy Spirit through the gifts of the Holy Spirit, and – Allows one to grow goodness through the moral virtues. (CCC 1266)

Sacraments Seven Sacraments: Baptism Confirmation Eucharist Penance Anointing of the Sick Matrimony Holy Orders

VocationHealing Initiation Baptism Confirmation Eucharist Penance Anointing of the Sick Matrimony Holy Orders Sacraments

The Sacrament of Baptism Sacrament of Baptism Baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life, the gateway to life in the Spirit, and the door which gives access to the other sacraments. (CCC 1213) Sacrament of Baptism we are freed from sin reborn as sons and daughters of God we become members of Christ we are incorporated into the Church made sharers of the Church’s mission (CCC 1213)

The Importance of Baptism Baptism comes to us from the Lord himself and was practiced in the earliest days of Christianity.

Rite of Baptism for Children The Rite of Baptism for Children is one of the ways that the Church celebrates baptism. The most ancient liturgical form comes down to us from the celebrations at the Easter Vigil. The Rite of Baptism for Children retains many of the features found in the baptism of adults, but it is adapted to particular needs and modern practice.

Rite of Baptism Baptism is celebrated at Mass in many places, but it may also be celebrated as its own liturgical rite. Children presented for baptism are to have sponsors– a Godfather and Godmother. In the Roman Rite, children presented for baptism are anointed, but they do not receive Confirmation. They also wait for the Eucharist until they have been prepared by later catechesis. – This is not the same everywhere in the Church! Older children and adults come into the Church by way of the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) or the Rite of Christian Inititation of Children (RCIC).

Rite of Baptism for Children Many fundamentalist groups criticize the practice of baptizing infants, contending that baptism can only follow a conscious choice and ‘born-again’ experience. This, of course, counters centuries of theological wisdom and tradition rooted in: – good common sense, – the practices of ancient Israel, – the earliest of the Church Fathers, – Church councils, and – the Word of God itself. This practice is consistent with the Church’s teaching of the value of all life.

Baptism Ministers of Baptism – Ordinary Ministers – Bishops, Priests, Deacons – Extraordinary Ministers – Anyone – Formula: I baptize you, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit

Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults Post-conciliar form mandated in 1980’s, following years of mostly ‘private’ preparation for candidates. Restores ancient practice, prepares person to profess and live faith. – Inquiry & Pre-catechumenate – Catechumenate – “followers”/“students” – Elect Scrutinies (“exorcisms”) Reception of Lord’s Prayer, Creed, Anointing – Reception of Sacraments (typically at the Easter Vigil) – Mystagogia

Sacrament of Confirmation Confirmation is a sacrament which has had a lot of titles and ideas attached to it… – “Sacrament of Christian Maturity” – “Ratification of Baptism” – “Sacrament of Christian Service” – “Confirmation/Acceptance of Baptismal Vows” – “Christian Soldiers” There is an element of truth to each of these viewpoints, but Confirmation is more…

The Sacrament of Confirmation Confirmation is a sacrament which increases and deepens baptismal grace. Confirmation unites us more firmly to Christ Intensifies our adoption as children of God Increases the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit Makes our bond with the Church more perfect Increases in us the strength to spread and defend the faith “…Born again in water and the spirit…” – John 3: 5

Sacrament of Confirmation Gifts of the Holy Spirit (Is 11:2) – Wisdom – Knowledge – Understanding – Fortitude – Piety – Fear of the Lord – Counsel Fruits of the Holy Spirit (Gal 5:22) – Charity – Joy – Peace – Patience – Kindness – Goodness – Generosity – Gentleness – Faithfulness – Self-Control – Modesty – Chastity

The Holy Eucharist “Completes” Christian Initiation – All other sacraments relate to this “source and summit” Bread and Wine become the Body and Blood of Christ – What has been handed on to me, I hand on to you: the night he was betrayed, he took bread, gave thanks, broke the bread and said, “This is my body; do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way after supper, he took the cup and said, “This cup is the New Covenant in my Blood. Do this, whenever you drink it, in memory of me. 1 Corinthians 11: “Liturgy” of God & “Liturgy” of the Church –  (leos) = people, public, (“laity”) –  (ergon) = work (“energy”, “synergy”, “ergo”-nomic)

The Holy Eucharist Eucharist: Verb or Noun?? – Active sense of celebration: “Holy Mass” – “Sacred Liturgy” – “Eucharistic Celebration” “Representation of Calvary” – “Un-bloody Sacrifice” “Memorial meal” – “The Lord’s Supper” – Stable sense of presence: Adoration of the “Blessed Sacrament” “Real Presence” Transubstantiation (vs. consubstantiation or transsignification?) Tabernacle To deny either sense is to deny something essential about the Eucharist!

The Holy Eucharist O sacred banquet! in which Christ is received, the memory of his Passion is renewed, the mind is filled with grace, and a pledge of future glory to us is given. Alleluia. -- St. Thomas Aquinas O sacrum convivium! in quo Christus sumitur: recolitur memoria passionis ejus: mens impletur gratia: et futurae gloriae nobis pignus datur. Alleluia.

Next Week Mary, the Saints, and the Ministry of the Pope