BaptismBaptism

Chapter 7Chapter 7

When a person is baptized:When a person is baptized:

• Freed from sinFreed from sin• Reborn as a son/daughter of GodReborn as a son/daughter of God• Receives graceReceives grace• Shares in God’s lifeShares in God’s life• Becomes part of the Body of Christ, the Becomes part of the Body of Christ, the

ChurchChurch• Receives the fullness of the means of Receives the fullness of the means of

salvation from sin and death, andsalvation from sin and death, and• For a share in the divine life of the TrinityFor a share in the divine life of the Trinity(p. 124)(p. 124)

Three sacraments of Three sacraments of InitiationInitiation

• Baptism, Eucharist, ConfirmationBaptism, Eucharist, Confirmation

• Celebrate a Christian’s Celebrate a Christian’s transformation, entrance, and transformation, entrance, and lifelong growth in the Church, the lifelong growth in the Church, the community of Jesus’ followerscommunity of Jesus’ followers

(p. 124)(p. 124)

Baptism celebrates five Baptism celebrates five realities for the Christian:realities for the Christian:• Being welcomed into the community of Jesus, the Being welcomed into the community of Jesus, the

ChurchChurch• Beginning a lifelong conversion, turning away Beginning a lifelong conversion, turning away

from sin to embrace the Christian way of lifefrom sin to embrace the Christian way of life• Being reborn to a new identity as a son/daughter Being reborn to a new identity as a son/daughter

of Godof God• Sharing in the mission of Jesus, adopting it as Sharing in the mission of Jesus, adopting it as

one’s own purposeone’s own purpose• Receiving the gift of the Spirit of Jesus that Receiving the gift of the Spirit of Jesus that

enables the Christian to share in God’s life of loveenables the Christian to share in God’s life of love(p. 127)(p. 127)

Original Sin:Original Sin:

• The sin at the beginning of The sin at the beginning of humankindhumankind

• The condition we inherit of tending to The condition we inherit of tending to choose sinchoose sin

• Taken away by Baptism, but effects Taken away by Baptism, but effects are not taken away (we still have the are not taken away (we still have the tendency to sin)tendency to sin)

Baptism affects original sin:Baptism affects original sin:

• Takes original sin awayTakes original sin away

• Forgives all personal sins and Forgives all personal sins and punishment due thempunishment due them

• Gives grace to overcome the Gives grace to overcome the tendency to sintendency to sin

Personal sin:Personal sin:

• Our own wrongful choices where we Our own wrongful choices where we choose evil over good (p. 128)choose evil over good (p. 128)

• Example of St. Therese of Lisieux – Example of St. Therese of Lisieux – the “Little Way” to holinessthe “Little Way” to holiness

““Born Again”Born Again”

• For non-Catholics, a one-time only For non-Catholics, a one-time only event in which a person publicly event in which a person publicly proclaims Jesus as Lord and Saviorproclaims Jesus as Lord and Savior

• For Catholics, Baptism celebrates a For Catholics, Baptism celebrates a process of dying and rising to new process of dying and rising to new life within a community, a process life within a community, a process that happens over and over in one’s that happens over and over in one’s lifetime.lifetime.

(p. 132)(p. 132)

Baptism is necessary for Baptism is necessary for salvation:salvation:

• Baptism is the fullest means of salvation Baptism is the fullest means of salvation for those who have received the Gospel for those who have received the Gospel and have the opportunity to be baptized.and have the opportunity to be baptized.

• Non-Catholics, non-Christians who may not Non-Catholics, non-Christians who may not know or believe in Christ, but who seek know or believe in Christ, but who seek the truth and try to do God’s will as they the truth and try to do God’s will as they understand it can be savedunderstand it can be saved

• Baptism of water, desire, bloodBaptism of water, desire, blood(p. 135)(p. 135)

Essential words & actions of Essential words & actions of Baptism:Baptism:

• Pouring water over the person’s Pouring water over the person’s head, or immersion in waterhead, or immersion in water

• The Trinitarian formula: “I baptize The Trinitarian formula: “I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.”the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.”

Symbolic references to water Symbolic references to water in the Hebrew Scriptures:in the Hebrew Scriptures:

• Genesis: God breathes on the waters Genesis: God breathes on the waters to bring order to Creationto bring order to Creation

• Genesis: Noah story – the world of sin Genesis: Noah story – the world of sin is destroyed and washed clean is destroyed and washed clean through the floodthrough the flood

• Exodus – Moses leads the Israelites Exodus – Moses leads the Israelites from slavery to freedom through the from slavery to freedom through the Red SeaRed Sea

(p. 137)(p. 137)

Two anointings of oil:Two anointings of oil:

• Before water ritual, anointing with oil on Before water ritual, anointing with oil on the breast or both hands: asking God for the breast or both hands: asking God for strength for the personstrength for the person

• After water ritual, anointing on crown of After water ritual, anointing on crown of head, signifies being chosen as Christ was head, signifies being chosen as Christ was chosen, to share in his risen life and chosen, to share in his risen life and receive the Spirit through himreceive the Spirit through him

• Diocesan Chrism Mass – annually in Holy Diocesan Chrism Mass – annually in Holy WeekWeek

(p. 139)(p. 139)

Significance of white Significance of white garment:garment:

• New life in ChristNew life in Christ

• New creation in ChristNew creation in Christ

• Often a white ‘bib’ in Baptism todayOften a white ‘bib’ in Baptism today

(p. 139)(p. 139)

Lighted Candle given to newly Lighted Candle given to newly baptized:baptized:

• Light is received from the Easter Light is received from the Easter Candle, which signifies Christ, the Candle, which signifies Christ, the light of the worldlight of the world

• Newly baptized person shares in the Newly baptized person shares in the light of Christ, and is encouraged to light of Christ, and is encouraged to walk as a child of the lightwalk as a child of the light

• Easter Candle is lit each year at the Easter Candle is lit each year at the Easter VigilEaster Vigil

Who may be baptized:Who may be baptized:

• Anyone who has not been baptized Anyone who has not been baptized beforebefore

• Usual minister is an ordained person Usual minister is an ordained person – priest, deacon, bishop– priest, deacon, bishop

• Emergency baptismEmergency baptism

(p. 143)(p. 143)

Separation of anointing and Separation of anointing and laying on of hands:laying on of hands:

• Increasing numbers of converts in Increasing numbers of converts in Western church led to priest of the Western church led to priest of the community to baptize with water, but community to baptize with water, but save the anointing with oil for the save the anointing with oil for the bishop at a later datebishop at a later date

• Eventually became two separate Eventually became two separate rites or sacraments, Baptism and rites or sacraments, Baptism and ConfirmationConfirmation

(p. 146)(p. 146)

Catechumenate in early Catechumenate in early Church:Church:2 – 3 year period of 2 – 3 year period of preparationpreparation• A person desiring to become a Christian A person desiring to become a Christian

had to find a sponsorhad to find a sponsor• Final preparation 40 days before baptism Final preparation 40 days before baptism

at Easter Vigil (this later evolved into Lent)at Easter Vigil (this later evolved into Lent)• Intensive instruction, prayer, fasting, Intensive instruction, prayer, fasting,

special liturgies led by bishopspecial liturgies led by bishop• Ritual bathing on Holy Thursday, two days Ritual bathing on Holy Thursday, two days

of fasting, then initiation at Easter Vigilof fasting, then initiation at Easter Vigil(p. 145)(p. 145)

Role of godparents:Role of godparents:

• Help support and encourage parents Help support and encourage parents as they raise their child in faithas they raise their child in faith

• Need to be baptized and firm believers Need to be baptized and firm believers in Christin Christ

• Need to be confirmed, document their Need to be confirmed, document their status as an active member of a status as an active member of a Catholic faith community (parish)Catholic faith community (parish)

• No legal standing; not legal guardiansNo legal standing; not legal guardians

RCIA process: 4 stagesRCIA process: 4 stages(Rite of Christian Initiation of (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults)Adults)• Inquiry – leading to a decision to proceedInquiry – leading to a decision to proceed• Catechumenate (1 – 3 year period of study Catechumenate (1 – 3 year period of study

of the Catholic faith)of the Catholic faith)• Enlightenment or illumination: Lenten Enlightenment or illumination: Lenten

period of intensive preparation, rites, period of intensive preparation, rites, culminating with baptism at Easter Vigilculminating with baptism at Easter Vigil

• Mystagogia – from Easter to Pentecost, a Mystagogia – from Easter to Pentecost, a time of reflection and continued growth for time of reflection and continued growth for the new Christianthe new Christian

p. 151-152p. 151-152

Confirmation:Confirmation:Chapter 8Chapter 8

Second of three sacraments of InitiationSecond of three sacraments of Initiation

Celebrates the outpouring of the Holy Celebrates the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on a baptized personSpirit on a baptized person

Completes and strengthens the grace Completes and strengthens the grace given by the Spirit in Baptismgiven by the Spirit in Baptism

(p. 156)(p. 156)

Confirmation takes place:Confirmation takes place:

• For those baptized as infants in the For those baptized as infants in the Catholic Church, any time after “age Catholic Church, any time after “age of discretion or reason” (age 7)of discretion or reason” (age 7)

• Typically, in adolescenceTypically, in adolescence

• For adults, received at initiation For adults, received at initiation (Baptism) with the Eucharist (R.C.I.A. (Baptism) with the Eucharist (R.C.I.A. process)process)

(p. 156)(p. 156)

Purpose of Preparation Purpose of Preparation Program:Program:

• To learn more about one’s faithTo learn more about one’s faith

• To grow in the faith being affirmed To grow in the faith being affirmed and embracedand embraced

(p. 161)(p. 161)

Bishop’s role in Bishop’s role in Confirmation:Confirmation:

• Apostolic succession: Bishops are Apostolic succession: Bishops are the successors of the Apostlesthe successors of the Apostles

• Confirmation by the Bishop is a sign Confirmation by the Bishop is a sign of full incorporation into the church of full incorporation into the church handed down from the time of Jesus handed down from the time of Jesus (p. 161)(p. 161)

Seven Gifts of the Holy Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit:Spirit:• WisdomWisdom• UnderstandingUnderstanding• Right Judgment (Right Judgment (CounselCounsel))• Courage (Courage (FortitudeFortitude))• KnowledgeKnowledge• Reverence (Reverence (PietyPiety))• Wonder and Awe in God’s presenceWonder and Awe in God’s presence

((Fear of the LordFear of the Lord))(Words in parentheses are from the Catechism of (Words in parentheses are from the Catechism of

the Catholic Church)the Catholic Church)

Two Models of Maturity:Two Models of Maturity:

• Destination Model: Maturity is the “end Destination Model: Maturity is the “end point” of the journey through adolescencepoint” of the journey through adolescence

• Journey Model: Life is a continuous Journey Model: Life is a continuous process of growth, filled with straight paths process of growth, filled with straight paths and rough roads, dyings and risings. and rough roads, dyings and risings. Maturing is a life-long process. The Maturing is a life-long process. The Journey Model is more consistent with the Journey Model is more consistent with the Christian vision of how we grow. (p. 163)Christian vision of how we grow. (p. 163)

Service Experiences:Service Experiences:

• Most Confirmation preparation programs Most Confirmation preparation programs have a service component.have a service component.

• Service gives candidates the opportunity Service gives candidates the opportunity to live Jesus’ life of ministry to othersto live Jesus’ life of ministry to others

• Service gives candidates the opportunity Service gives candidates the opportunity to discover their own gifts and discern to discover their own gifts and discern how they might serve others in the how they might serve others in the future.future.

(p. 165)(p. 165)

Requirements for Confirmation:Requirements for Confirmation:(for Baptized persons who (for Baptized persons who have reached the age of have reached the age of discretion)discretion)• Willing to profess the Catholic faithWilling to profess the Catholic faith

• Be in a state of graceBe in a state of grace

• Intend to receive the sacramentIntend to receive the sacrament

• Willing to take on the role of a Willing to take on the role of a disciple of Christdisciple of Christ

(p. 165)(p. 165)

Essential symbolic actions and Essential symbolic actions and words of Confirmation:words of Confirmation:

• Bishop or priest’s laying on of a hand and Bishop or priest’s laying on of a hand and anointing the person while saying:anointing the person while saying:

• ““Be sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit.”Be sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit.”(p. 166)(p. 166)• Ancient practice of laying on of hands Ancient practice of laying on of hands

refers to conferring power on a person.refers to conferring power on a person.• The bishop “lays hands on” all candidates The bishop “lays hands on” all candidates

together by extending his hands over the together by extending his hands over the entire group. (p. 166)entire group. (p. 166)

Anointing with Chrism:Anointing with Chrism:

• An act of consecrating the person to An act of consecrating the person to share more completely in the mission share more completely in the mission of Jesus Christ and the church.of Jesus Christ and the church.

• Bishop dips his right thumb in the Bishop dips his right thumb in the chrism, puts his hand on the person’s chrism, puts his hand on the person’s head, and makes the sign of the cross head, and makes the sign of the cross on the forehead, saying, “Be sealed on the forehead, saying, “Be sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit.” (p. 167)with the gift of the Holy Spirit.” (p. 167)

Separation of sacraments:Separation of sacraments:

• Increase in new Christians led to more Increase in new Christians led to more baptisms by the local priest in each baptisms by the local priest in each community, as there were not enough bishops community, as there were not enough bishops available to perform the anointing with chrism.available to perform the anointing with chrism.

• The priests performed the water ritual, and the The priests performed the water ritual, and the bishops visited later to “confirm” the baptisms.bishops visited later to “confirm” the baptisms.

• Eventually, the two rituals were completely Eventually, the two rituals were completely separate, and became two different separate, and became two different sacraments. (p. 171)sacraments. (p. 171)

Catholic debate about Catholic debate about sacraments of initiation:sacraments of initiation:

• Original Sequence: Baptism, Original Sequence: Baptism, Confirmation, First Eucharist, should Confirmation, First Eucharist, should be restoredbe restored

• Delayed: Put Confirmation off until Delayed: Put Confirmation off until the person is old enough to the person is old enough to understand the work of the Spirit understand the work of the Spirit within, later than the age at which within, later than the age at which First Eucharist was received.First Eucharist was received.

(p. 172)(p. 172)

Eucharist: Eucharist: Chapter 9Chapter 9

• Eucharist is the third sacrament of initiation.Eucharist is the third sacrament of initiation.• It is the ultimate sign of Christ’s presence.It is the ultimate sign of Christ’s presence.• Vatican II: Eucharist is the “source and Vatican II: Eucharist is the “source and

summit of the Christian life.”summit of the Christian life.”(p. 176)(p. 176)• Eucharist Eucharist derived from a Greek word derived from a Greek word

meaning “thanksgiving.” meaning “thanksgiving.” • Christians celebrate Eucharist in the context Christians celebrate Eucharist in the context

of a sacred meal, thanking and praising God of a sacred meal, thanking and praising God for all the good he has done for them. (p. for all the good he has done for them. (p. 179)179)

Banquet symbolism and Banquet symbolism and Eucharist:Eucharist:

• Jesus often used the symbol of a banquet Jesus often used the symbol of a banquet to describe sharing in the Kingdom of God.to describe sharing in the Kingdom of God.

• A meal was one significant setting Jesus A meal was one significant setting Jesus used to communicate what God’s love was used to communicate what God’s love was like. (p. 179 – 180)like. (p. 179 – 180)

• Christians are invited to bring their Christians are invited to bring their everyday life to the “table of the Lord” and everyday life to the “table of the Lord” and unite that life with Jesus’ sacrifice. (p. 180)unite that life with Jesus’ sacrifice. (p. 180)

Eucharist: Celebration of Past, Eucharist: Celebration of Past, Present and FuturePresent and Future

• Eucharist recalls Jesus’ sacrifice, but Eucharist recalls Jesus’ sacrifice, but celebrates more than past deeds.celebrates more than past deeds.

• It is a memorial meal, but brings about a It is a memorial meal, but brings about a present reality – Jesus gives of himself to us present reality – Jesus gives of himself to us in the here and now, bringing new life to us in the here and now, bringing new life to us in the processin the process

• Eucharist looks forward to the future beyond Eucharist looks forward to the future beyond time when all God’s people will be united in time when all God’s people will be united in love through Jesus in the “heavenly love through Jesus in the “heavenly banquet” of God’s kingdom (p. 180)banquet” of God’s kingdom (p. 180)

4 Ways Jesus is present in the 4 Ways Jesus is present in the Eucharist:Eucharist:

• In the person of the minister, the presiding In the person of the minister, the presiding priest, through whom Jesus offers himselfpriest, through whom Jesus offers himself

• In the word of God, the Scripture being In the word of God, the Scripture being proclaimed and preachedproclaimed and preached

• In the people gathered to celebrate by In the people gathered to celebrate by praying and singingpraying and singing

• Especially in the eucharistic species, the Especially in the eucharistic species, the bread and wine that are consecrated as bread and wine that are consecrated as Jesus’ body and bloodJesus’ body and blood

““Transubstantiation”Transubstantiation”

• The bread and wine are more than The bread and wine are more than symbols of Jesus’ presence:symbols of Jesus’ presence:

• Through the consecration, they have Through the consecration, they have become become Jesus present. (p. 181-182)Jesus present. (p. 181-182)

• We are challenged not only to We are challenged not only to receivereceive the body of Christ, but to the body of Christ, but to bebe the body of Christ in our everyday the body of Christ in our everyday life. (p. 184 -185)life. (p. 184 -185)

Contradiction in Meaning of the Contradiction in Meaning of the Eucharist:Eucharist:• Strangers or outsiders may feel unwelcome Strangers or outsiders may feel unwelcome

in our communities; Eucharist is about in our communities; Eucharist is about coming to the table of the Lord as a coming to the table of the Lord as a community;community;

• We may not reach out to reconcile with We may not reach out to reconcile with people with whom we have a conflict, people with whom we have a conflict, creating genuine peace with them;creating genuine peace with them;

• We may not be “breaking bread” outside of We may not be “breaking bread” outside of Mass, sharing what we have with others, Mass, sharing what we have with others, nurturing and sacrificing for one another.nurturing and sacrificing for one another.

• In summary, we do not always strive to In summary, we do not always strive to be be the Christ we the Christ we receive. receive. (p. 186)(p. 186)

4 Essential actions essential to 4 Essential actions essential to every Eucharist:every Eucharist:

• Proclaiming the Proclaiming the wordword of God of the of God of the ScripturesScriptures

• Expressing Expressing thanksgivingthanksgiving to God to God

• The words of The words of consecrationconsecration by the priest to by the priest to change the bread and wine into Christ’s change the bread and wine into Christ’s body and blood by the power of the Holy body and blood by the power of the Holy SpiritSpirit

• The receiving of The receiving of CommunionCommunion by the by the assemblyassembly

A A CommunionCommunion ServiceService::

• Is Is notnot a Mass because it lacks a presiding priest who a Mass because it lacks a presiding priest who leads the people in offering the Eucharistic prayer;leads the people in offering the Eucharistic prayer;

• The essential action of the consecration is not The essential action of the consecration is not included.included.

• Those who receive Communion at such a service Those who receive Communion at such a service truly receive the body of Christ, but have not truly receive the body of Christ, but have not participated in the whole action of the Eucharist, participated in the whole action of the Eucharist, the Mass.the Mass.

• At a Communion Service, a Deacon or Extraordinary At a Communion Service, a Deacon or Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion will distribute Minister of Holy Communion will distribute previously consecrated hosts that have been on previously consecrated hosts that have been on reserve in the tabernacle. (p. 190)reserve in the tabernacle. (p. 190)

Readings at a Sunday Readings at a Sunday Eucharist,Eucharist,in general, come from:in general, come from:

• The Hebrew Scriptures (Old Testament)The Hebrew Scriptures (Old Testament)

• Letters of Paul or other apostolic writers Letters of Paul or other apostolic writers (Epistles, Acts of the Apostles, Revelation)(Epistles, Acts of the Apostles, Revelation)

• The Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John)The Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John)

(p. 192)(p. 192)

• This part of the Mass is known as the This part of the Mass is known as the Liturgy of the Word.Liturgy of the Word.

Bread & Wine - Bread & Wine - symbols for Eucharist:symbols for Eucharist:

• Bread is appropriate because it was the most Bread is appropriate because it was the most basic and essential food in Jesus’ culture; basic and essential food in Jesus’ culture; often represented life. It is still a basic food often represented life. It is still a basic food for many, and is closely associated with God’s for many, and is closely associated with God’s and nature’s bountifulness. (p. 192)and nature’s bountifulness. (p. 192)

• Wine is appropriate because drink is Wine is appropriate because drink is necessary for survival; it is also a sign of necessary for survival; it is also a sign of celebration and as such is an awesome celebration and as such is an awesome symbol for the blood that Christ willingly shed symbol for the blood that Christ willingly shed to free humanity from sin and death. (p. 196)to free humanity from sin and death. (p. 196)

Jewish roots of Liturgy of the Jewish roots of Liturgy of the Eucharist and Liturgy of the Eucharist and Liturgy of the Word:Word:

• Liturgy of the Eucharist: Jewish Liturgy of the Eucharist: Jewish community meals, especially the community meals, especially the Passover sederPassover seder

• Liturgy of the Word: Jewish Liturgy of the Word: Jewish synagogue services at which the synagogue services at which the Torah was read Torah was read

(p. 197-198)(p. 197-198)

Shift from Eucharist as Shift from Eucharist as communitycommunity mealmeal to to elaborate elaborate ceremonyceremony of sacrifice: of sacrifice: • As church became more of a As church became more of a

“hierarchy,” the role of the clergy “hierarchy,” the role of the clergy became more elaborate.became more elaborate.

• By the Middle Ages, the priests were By the Middle Ages, the priests were “saying” Mass, while the people “saying” Mass, while the people watched in silence.watched in silence.

• People People participated lessparticipated less and less. and less. (p.200)(p.200)

Changes in the Mass as a Changes in the Mass as a result of Vatican Council II result of Vatican Council II (1965):(1965):• Altar facing the wall once again became a table set in the Altar facing the wall once again became a table set in the

midst of, or closer to, the people, with the priest facing the midst of, or closer to, the people, with the priest facing the people;people;

• Latin language, used for centuries at Mass, was replaced by Latin language, used for centuries at Mass, was replaced by the “vernacular,” the common language of the people where the “vernacular,” the common language of the people where the Mass was being celebrated;the Mass was being celebrated;

• Prayers and responses were spoken by the people, not just Prayers and responses were spoken by the people, not just the altar servers;the altar servers;

• The altar rail that separated the congregation from the The altar rail that separated the congregation from the sanctuary was removed;sanctuary was removed;

• Kneeling to receive Communion was replaced by the earlier Kneeling to receive Communion was replaced by the earlier custom of standing, to express joy and thanksgiving;custom of standing, to express joy and thanksgiving;

• People were invited to receive Communion bread in their own People were invited to receive Communion bread in their own hands, and to chew the bread;hands, and to chew the bread;

• Wine and bread were offered to the congregation;Wine and bread were offered to the congregation;• Singing and “active participation” were encouraged;Singing and “active participation” were encouraged;• Prayers of petition were added (Prayer of the Faithful)Prayers of petition were added (Prayer of the Faithful)• Lay people, including women, were invited to participate in Lay people, including women, were invited to participate in

special roles (lectors, extraordinary ministers of Holy special roles (lectors, extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion, members of the offertory procession) (p. 200 – Communion, members of the offertory procession) (p. 200 – 201)201)