The Sacraments of Baptism and Confirmation Holy Spirit

The Sacraments of Baptism and Confirmation Holy Spirit RCIA

Sacraments of Initiation “Lay the foundation for every Christian Life. ” Baptism – “Born Anew” Confirmation – “Strengthened” Eucharist (Holy Communion) – “Food for Eternal Life” (CCC 1212)

Sacrament of Baptism “Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved. ” (Mk 16: 16)

Original Sin ”God did not make death…” Wis 1: 13 Humanity was originally in a state of holiness and justice Enticed by the evil one, by his sin, Adam lost this state for himself and his descendants – all of us This inherited deprivation of humanity’s original holiness is “original sin. ”

Effects of Original Sin Human nature weakened in its powers Subject to ignorance Suffering and death ”Concupiscence, ” the inclination to sin is inherited by all Look around (CCC 413 -419)

Personal Sin An offence against reason, truth and right conscience Failure in a genuine love of God and neighbor caused by a perverse attachment to certain goods Wounds the nature of man and injures human solidarity Contrary to the eternal law (CCC 1849)

Personal Sin An offence against God. Turns our hearts away from God’s love Is disobedience, a revolt against God through the will to become “like gods” knowing and determining good and evil. The love of oneself even to contempt of God. Diametrically opposed to the obedience of Jesus (CCC 1850)

Christ’s Victory over Sin Christ’s victory over sin has given us greater blessings than those sin took away. ”where sin increased, grace abounded all the more” (Rom 5: 20). ”the world has been established and kept in being by the Creator's love; has fallen into slavery to sin but has been set free by Christ, crucified and risen to break the power of the evil one. . ” (CCC 420 -421)

Command to Baptize “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you (Mt 28: 19 -20)

Necessity of Baptism Christ himself said it was necessary (Mt 28: 19 -20, Mk 16; 16, Jn 3: 5) The Church knows of no other means other than Baptism that assures entry into heaven That is why the Church to baptize God has bound salvation to the sacrament of Baptism, but he himself in not bound by his sacraments (CCC 1257)

Overview of Baptism Birth to a new life in Christ Necessary for salvation as is the Church, which is entered by Baptism Gateway sacrament (CCC 1277)

Essential Rite of Baptism The essential rite of Baptism is immersing in water three times or pouring water on the head three times while invoking the Most Holy Trinity in these words: “N. , baptize you in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. ” (CCC 1279)

Water in Baptism Water springing from the earth symbolizes life – the new life in Christ Water of the Sea is a symbol of death – death to the old life of sin Water cleanses – in Baptism it cleans away all sin, including original sin, and all punishment due It represents deliverance (Crossing of the Red Sea, Jordan River) (CCC 1217 -1222)

Effects of Baptism Delivery from ALL sins, original sin and personal sins Receive the Grace of Divine adoption Become a member of Christ Made a temple of the Holy Spirit

Effects of Baptism Initiation into the Church Share in Christ’s mission as priest, prophet and king Foundation of communion among all Christians

Seal of Baptism Soul sealed with a permanent spiritual mark Identifies those Baptized as belonging to Christ Because of this mark or character, it can not be repeated

Those Not Baptized? Those who: Die for the faith Catechumens Do not know Christ or the Church through no fault of their own, but: Through grace seek God Do his will Can be saved without Baptism (cf. CCC 1281)

Baptizing Infants have been baptized since Apostolic times. (cf. Acts 2: 41; 8, 12 -13; 10: 48; 16: 15) It llustrates that Baptism is a gift from God-not based on human merit (CCC 1282) Infants are baptized in the faith of the Church (CCC 1282)

Unbaptized Children All are born with a fallen nature (Original Sin) and need the new birth of Baptism We are called to trust in God’s mercy for unbaptized children Pray for their salvation See CCC: 1250 -1252, 1282

Who Can Baptize? Ordinary ministers in the Latin Church are: Bishops Priests Deacons In danger of death, any person can baptize Must intend to do what the Church does Must utilize proper form and substance

Godparents Max two, if two, one man and one woman Known to be practicing Roman Catholics Have received all Sacraments of Initiation Be in a marriage recognized by the Church Not the parent of the child At least 16 years of age (See Baptism/Confirmation Sponsor form)

Liturgy of Baptism (Catechumens) Blessing of the Baptismal water Renunciation of sin by the elect and their profession of faith The Baptism itself Explanatory Rites Anointing with chrism (If not immediately Confirmed) Clothing with white garment Presentation of a lighted candle

Liturgy of Baptism (Infants) Sign of the cross on the child’s forehead Reading from Scripture Exorcism and Anointing Blessing of the Baptismal water Renunciation of sin and profession of faith by parents and godparents The Baptism itself

Liturgy of Baptism (Infants) Explanatory Rites Anointing with chrism (If not immediately Confirmed) Clothing with white garment Presentation of a lighted candle Lord’s Prayer Final Blessing

Faith and Baptism is the sacrament of faith, but faith needs a community of believers For all baptized, faith must grow after Baptism – the community has a role Each Easter our baptismal vows renewed Parents and godparents must help nourish the graces of Baptism as their children grow (cf. CCC 1253 -1255)

Questions?

Sacrament of Confirmation “When the time for Pentecost was fulfilled…suddenly there came from the sky a noise like a strong driving wind… it filled the entire house. Then there appeared to them tongues as of fire which parted and came to rest on each one of them. And they were all filled with the holy Spirit. ” (Lk 2: 1 -4)

Scripture Jesus promised he would send the Holy Spirit, the “Spirit of truth” (Jn 16: 13) This was fulfilled at Pentecost when huddled together in fear the disciples “were filled with the Holy Spirit” (cf. Acts 2: 1 -47). Peter then boldly proclaimed: “…Repent and be baptized…and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit (cf. Acts 2: 38).

Effects of Confirmation Perfects Baptismal Grace Incorporates us more firmly into Christ Strengthens our bond with the Church Helps us bear witness to Christian faith Imprints a spiritual mark, therefore is received only once (See CCC, 1315 – 1317)

Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit Sustain the moral life of Christians: Wisdom Understanding Counsel Fortitude Knowledge Piety Fear of the Lord (CCC 1830 -1831)

Fruits of the Holy Spirit Formed in us by the Holy Spirit Charity Joy Peace Patience Kindness Goodness Generosity Gentleness Faithfulness Modesty Self-control Chastity (cf. CCC 1830 -1832)

Adults Receiving Confirmation Must: Be Baptized (Receive immediately after. ) Profess the faith Be in a state of Grace Intend to receive the sacrament Be prepared to assume the role of disciple and witness to Christ See (CCC 1316)

Essential Rite of Confirmation The laying on of hand Anointing on the forehead with sacred chrism Together with the words: “Be sealed with the Gift of the Holy Spirit. ” The repined response: “Amen. ” (The Order of Confirmation, 2016, No. 26)

Miscellaneous

Sponsors/Godparents The RCIA process requires that each Catechumen (un-baptized) have a godparent (RCIA 8 -10). Likewise Candidates (already validly baptized) are also required to have sponsors (RCIA 404).

Questions?