The Sacraments of Christian initiation:

1. The Sacraments of Christian initiation: baptism

2. The sacraments of initiation • Initiation – not so much as a new beginning, but a realignment or a transformation. • Realignment -- God invites us to a relationship with Him. • Sacraments of Initiation – Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist • Through these Sacraments, we are initiated as members of God’s family, which is the Church.

3. The Sacrament of Baptism • PompaDiaboli – The pomp of the devil • Ritual of Baptism – triple rejection of Satan  sin, evil, and Satan as the “father of sin and prince of darkness.” • The triple rejection of Satan is also the condemnation of the sinful elements of our culture. • What are some sinful elements of our popular culture that we should reject? • As we reject Satan and culture of evil, we affirm or say “Yes” to God and the culture of life. • By words or actions, how do you affirm your baptismal promises and belief in God?

4. Understanding the sacrament of baptism • Baptism – comes from the Greek word baptizein– “to plunge or immerse.” • represents being buried with Christ and “emerge” as a “new creature” • Romans: 6: 3-4 “Are you unaware that you were baptized into his death? We were indeed buried with him through baptism into death, so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might live in newness of life.”

5. Baptism as pre-figured in the old testament • Spirit of God/”mighty wind” swept over the water and brought new life • Noah and the Flood • The People of Israel crossing the Red Sea • God leading Joshua and the people across the River Jordan to the Promised Land.

6. Christ’s Baptism • All four Gospels recorded that John the Baptist people a sign of repentance from sin. • All four Gospels recorded that John baptized Jesus • Jesus was baptized not because of sin, (Jesus is sinless) but as sign of “self-emptying”, solidarity, and making the water holy for our baptism.

7. Christ’s BAPTISM • Baptism teaches us that the Cross of Christ redeemed us and that Baptism is only effective because Christ died and rose from the dead. • When Jesus died on the Cross, “blood and water flowed from his side” after the soldier pierced him with a lance. The Blood symbolizes the Eucharist, the water symbolizes Baptism.

8. Christian Initiation in the Church • Catechumenate – period or study of instruction for those who wish to receive the Sacraments of Initiation. Catechumens are typically baptized at the Easter Vigil. • Those who need to be baptized (catechumens) and those needing Confirmation (candidates) enter a process known as the RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults)

9. Rite of Christian Initiation for adults (RCIA) • There are four steps or period: 1. Precatechumenate – conversion and inquiry period; the inquirerasks questions about the faith. Catechumens are generally accompanied by a sponsor. 2. Catechumenate – time of study and work of charity and service; they celebrate the Liturgy of the Word at Mass and are dismissed before the Liturgy of the Eucharist. The clergy and catechists usually serve as their instructors. 3. Purification or Enlightenment – usually occurs during Lent and are initiated as members of the elect by the bishop. They undergo 3 or more periods of scrutinies– where they are prayed over for strength and grace. 4. Mystagogia – period after the neophytes have received the Sacraments of Initiation. This is a period in which the neophytes immerse themselves into the faith and the life of the Church.

10. Differences between the latin church and the eastern church • Eastern Church – all three Sacraments of Initiation – Baptism, Eucharist, Confirmation – are conferred b infancy. • Latin (Western Church) – infant Baptism, period of preparation for Eucharist (and Penance), and Confirmation is conferred later on (junior high or high school).

11. Celebrating the sacraments of Baptism • Anyone – child or adult who wants to be baptized can be baptized. • Several passages in Scriptures mention that “entire households” were being baptized. This presumes infant baptism. • Infant baptism became more common because: • Christianity became legal • The doctrine of Original Sin was emphasized, and infant mortality rate was high • Infant baptism emphasizes that salvation and faith is a pure gift from God that is not earned.

12. Godparents • In the early Church, Godparents assisted in the instruction of the faith • The RBC (Rite of Baptism for Children) asks parents and godparents to assist in the formation and catechesis of their children, so that they accept the faith for themselves when they mature.

13. Questions • What do you think are some of the duties of a godparent or sponsor for Baptism? • Who should be chosen as godparents?

14. Duties of Godparents • Speaks on behalf of the child to be baptized. • Promises to renounce the devil and live according to the teachings of the Bible and the Church. • See that the child is brought up as a good Catholic. • Providing for the child when necessary – especially in receiving proper religious education and paying attention to the child spiritually. • For this reason – those who neither know nor practice the Catholic faith should be chosen as godparents. • Parents primary reason should be spiritual.

15. Who should be chosen for godparents at baptism? • Catholics who practice their faith and attend Sunday mass weekly. • Should be at least 16 years of age • Should have received their Sacraments of Initiation • If married, the marriage must be recognized as a valid marriage in the Catholic Church • If single, the person should not be living with someone or living a lifestyle contrary to the Catholic faith. • A Certificateof Eligibility is required for all godparents from the parish which they are registered or attend Mass, not necessarily the parish where you were baptized. • Non-Catholic baptized Christians, can serve as a “Christian witness” along with a Catholic sponsor, if necessary. The Christian Witness should be actively practicing his/her faith. • Non-Christians may not serve as a godparents because they have to profess faith in Jesus Christ.