Sacraments of Initiation

1. Sacraments of Initiation Especially Baptism and Confirmation

2. a definition of Baptism a Sacrament of Initiation; ablution in the name of the Trinity for the purpose of spiritual rebirth: including washing away original sin and being united with the Mystical Body of Christ

3. Bonaventure’s Synthesis According to the matter, Baptism was instituted when Christ was baptized; According to the form, when Christ was resurrected from the dead and gave the form (Mt. 28:19); According to the effect, when He suffered, for baptism received its power from the Passion; According to the purpose, when He foretold its necessity and its benefit to Nicodemus (Jn. 3:5).

4. a definition of Confirmation a Sacrament of Initiation; imposition of hands, anointing with oil, and prayer in order to be filled with the Holy Spirit for the inner strengthening of the supernatural life and for the courageous outward confession of Faith

5. the Institution of Confirmation by Christ It is evident from Scripture that Confirmation is a sacrament since… A. The Apostles performed a sacramental rite, consisting of the imposition of hands and prayer

6. the Institution of Confirmation by Christ (cont.) B. The effect of this outward rite was the communication of the Holy Spirit, that is, the principle of inner sanctification

7. the Institution of Confirmation by Christ (cont.) C. The Apostles acted in the mandate of Christ, seeing themselves as ministers of Christ and the dispensers of the mysteries of God

8. St. Thomas Aquinas on the institution of the Sacrament: “Christ instituted the Sacrament of Confirmation in such a manner that He Himself did not administer it, but that He merely promised its administration for the future, because in the Sacrament the fullness of the Holy Spirit is conferred, which was not to be given before His Resurrection and Ascension. Thus, Christ did institute the sacrament, though He never Himself administered it.”