The Sacraments of Initiation
1.Baptism
"Baptism is the sacrament through which we enter the church" (Lawrence 2006,p.7).This is the first sacrament of initiation which calls on one to be like Jesus. In Baptism, we celebrate what is called a communal faith. "We rely on the faith of the parents, and godparents and the larger community" (Lawrence 2006, p.19). These are the people who make the baptismal vow on the recipients behalf. Baptism cleanses us from original sin. "We are freed from sin in Baptism because we die to sin with Christ and rise to new life" (Lawrence 2006, p.20). This is represented in the baptismal ceremony when the priest pours holy water over the head to symbolize the washing away of sins. The priest, as well as the recipient of the sacrament are dressed in white gowns to represent new life, purity and innocence. Therefore, Baptism makes us children of God.
2. Eucharist
The next sacrament of initiation is the holy Eucharist. The term Eucharist means thanksgiving. This
sacrament is not just received through Holy communion but by participating in the
entire sacrament that is every part of the mass. To receive Holy communion, the Eucharist demands that we do so with reverence. It signifies our willingness to be untied in
love and peace with one another, an essential attitude for those who share the
one bread and one cup”(Lawrence 2007, p.19).The mixing of the wine into water and the
breaking of bread is a symbolic gesture.
"Catholics believes it becomes the body and blood of Jesus Christ" (Duffy, 2010 p.51).
It symbolizes people coming together to share in the divinity of Christ.
The sacrament of Eucharist unites us and nourishes us as Christ’s Body to go forth and carry on the work of Christ during the week (Lawrence, 2007).
"Catholics believes it becomes the body and blood of Jesus Christ" (Duffy, 2010 p.51).
It symbolizes people coming together to share in the divinity of Christ.
The sacrament of Eucharist unites us and nourishes us as Christ’s Body to go forth and carry on the work of Christ during the week (Lawrence, 2007).
3. Confirmation
The sole purpose of the sacrament of confirmation is receiving the gift of the Holy Spirit. “In confirmation, anointingwith the scented oil, called chrism, symbolizes the presence of the Holy Spirit”( Lawrence, 2007 p.4). The Holy Spirit seeks to draw us further into the life of the Body of Christ ( Lawrence 2007). The laying on of hands is used in confirmation as it evokes the invisible gift of the Holy Spirit. This tradition dates back to when the disciples passed on the Holy Spirit to their followers. Confirmation initiates us into the process of becoming strong Christians. The Holy Spirit makes this possible through bestowing gifts and fruits. There are nine fruits and seven gifts. The nine fruits are love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Lawrence, 2007). The purpose of these fruits is to contribute to our personality so that our thought process reflects a better and more holy person. The seven gifts are: wisdom, understanding, right judgment, courage knowledge reverence, and awe in goodwill ( Lawrencve,2007). These spiritual gifts become instinct to us. We respond to them as prompting’s from the Holy Spirit, just like Jesus did (Lawrence, 2007). These gifts were first given through the sacrament of Baptism but through the sacrament of confirmation these are gifts are strengthened and sealed.