Sacraments of Salvation The grace or validity of the sacrament is not dependent on the worthiness of the minister or the recipient of the sacrament. It is dependent on the power of Christ who acts through the minister. This understanding is known as “ex opere operato” The fruits of the sacrament (how the sacrament transforms or affects the person) depends on the disposition of the person receiving the sacrament. What can you do to be properly disposed to receive the sacraments?

How is the Liturgy Celebrated? The sacraments of the Church can be explicitly found, and others, implicitly found in the Scriptures. Jesus gave authority to the Church to determine the words, gestures, and elements to be used in each sacrament. The words recited or prayed are called the form of the sacrament; the physical elements and/or gestures used are called the matter of the sacrament.

Form and Matter of the Sacraments Matter/Gesture Baptism “I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.” Confirmation “Be sealed with the Gift of the Holy Spirit.” Eucharist “This is my Body” “This is my Blood” Penance “I absolve you from your sins. In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.” Anointing of the Sick Prayer of Anointing

Form and Matter of the Sacraments con’t… Holy Orders Prayer of Ordination Marriage Valid vows

The Sacraments of Christian initiation: baptism

The sacraments of initiation Sacraments of Initiation – Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist Initiation – a realignment or a transformation. Realignment -- God invites us to a relationship with Him. Through these Sacraments, we are initiated as members of God’s family -- the Church.

The Sacrament of Baptism Pompa Diaboli – 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.” It is a 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.

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.”

Baptism as pre-figured in the old testament Spirit of God/”mighty wind” swept over the water and brought new life (Genesis 1:1) Noah and the Flood (Genesis 7-8) The People of Israel crossing the Red Sea (Exodus 14) God leading Joshua and the people across the River Jordan to the Promised Land. (Joshua 3)

Christ’s Baptism All four Gospels recorded that John the Baptist baptized people as 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.

Rite of Christian Initiation for adults (RCIA) There are four steps or period: 1. Precatechumenate – conversion and inquiry period; Catechumens are generally accompanied by a sponsor. 2. Catechumenate – time of study and work of charity and service. 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 (newly baptized) 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.

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).

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.

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.

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

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.

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 Certificate of 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.

The Necessity of baptism Jesus said in John 3:5 and Mark 16:16 that Baptism is necessary for Salvation “No one can enter the Kingdom of God without being born of water and Spirit.” (John 3:5) “Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved; whoever does not believe will be condemned.” (Mark 16:16) Jesus also commanded his disciples to proclaim the Gospels and baptize (Mt. 28:19-20).

The Necessity of Baptism con’t Does this mean that those who are not baptized are not saved? Condemned to hell? “God has bound salvation to the Sacrament of Baptism… but [God] himself is not bound by his sacraments.”

Baptism of Blood and Baptism of Desire Baptism of Blood – those who suffer death for their Christian faith prior to being baptized with water are baptized by their death for and with Christ. Occurred mainly in the early centuries of the church when Christians were martyred for their faith, and died before baptism. Baptism of Desire – those catechumens who die prior to baptism, but desire to be baptized into the faith, repent of their sins, and live the Christian life receive the baptism of desire. Those who live a life according to God’s will the best they could. Children who die prior to baptism

The Ritual of the sacraments of baptism Some differences in the rituals for adults and infants. But the sacrament consists of the following elements: Sign of the Cross The Word of God The Anointing of the Oil of the Catechumen Exorcisms and Profession of Faith Blessing of Water *Baptism by water – triple pouring over the head or immersion with the Trinitarian Formula (essential rite of the sacrament) Anointing with Sacred Chrism Receiving of White Garment Receiving of the Baptismal Candle

The Grace of Baptism Two primary graces or effects of the sacrament: 1. Forgives both Original Sin and personal sin Original Sin has weakened, not obliterated, our ability to choose good and avoid evil. When we sin, we paralyze our ability to choose good. Baptism grants us the life of God’s grace and enables us, with freedom, to choose good and avoid evil.

The Graces of Baptism Con’T 2. Baptism makes us a “new creature” capable of sharing the divine life where God “dwells” in us. We become children of God and temples of the Holy Spirit We receive sanctifying grace – enables us to believe, hope, and love God – faith, hope, and love (three theological virtues); strengthens the Gifts of the Holy Spirit; allows us to grow in virtue.

Incorporated Into the Church Baptism seals us with a permanent or indelible mark – our souls are “re-programed” to receive God. Baptism makes us members of the Church – which gives us certain rights and responsibilities: Right to receive the sacraments Right to be nourished with the Word of God Right to participate and be nourished by the spiritual life of the Church. Responsibility to serve others Responsibility to obey the teachings and authority of the Church in matters of faith and morality Responsibility to follow the Precepts of the Church

Sacrament of Confirmation

Understanding the Sacrament of Confirmation At Baptism, we are reborn as sons and daughters of God, at Confirmation we are strengthened by the gifts of the Holy Spirit to spread, defend, and practice the Catholic faith by words and deeds Jesus promised the outpouring of the Holy Spirit several times in His ministry: When facing persecution (Lk. 12:11-12) All must be “born again” (Jn. 3:8) Feast of the Tabernacles (Jn. 7:37-38) At the Last Supper, Jesus promised to send the Advocate (Jn. 16:7, 13)

Origins of the Sacrament of Confirmation The laying on of hands symbolizes the giving of the Spirit as a sign of commissioning and divine blessing (example – Moses commissioning Joshua) At Confirmation  we are given a divine blessing and the gifts of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit resides and acts in us. Anointing with Oil Secular meaning Religious uses -- purpose for consecrating objects, (i.e. Ark of the Covenant), priests, and kings. Jesus is referred to as the “Christ” which means “Anointed One” Sacred Chrism – oil used at Confirmation; mixtures of olive oil and balsam (perfume). The balsam symbolizes the “odor” of Christianity  our virtuous life and imitation of Christ can “attract” others to Christ.

Two Traditions of the Sacrament Emerged Confirmation was originally part of the Sacrament of Baptism (referred by St. Cyprian as the “double sacrament”) In the Roman Church (West) Confirmation eventually became distinct from Baptism Because there were many parishes, the bishop had to come at a later date to administer Confirmation. In the Eastern Churches, the tradition of Baptism and Confirmation administered as a single sacrament continued.

Teachings about Confirmation Baptism was originally followed by Confirmation (even if it was at a later date), then Holy Communion. With Pope Pius X’s encouragement for frequent communion and allowing children to receive communion, Holy Communion was given prior to Confirmation. Today’s Rite of Confirmation attempts to maintain the connection between Baptism and Confirmation: Adult converts celebrates all three Sacraments of Initiation at the Easter Vigil. The Church encourages the confirmand to use his/her baptismal name, have the same godparents Public renewal of baptismal promises at Confirmation ritual

Celebrating the Sacrament of Confirmation The consecration of the Sacred Chrism takes place once a year, on or near Holy Thursday at the Chrism Mass. The bishop of the diocese blesses the oils of the sick, catechumen, and Chrism at the cathedral. Representatives from the various parishes each take a set of oil to be used the parish. The celebration of Confirmation takes place at a Mass presided by the bishop. What is the Form of the Sacrament of Confirmation? Matter? Form – “Be sealed with the Gift of the Holy Spirit” Matter – Sacred Chrism

Who can be confirmed? Every baptized person who is not yet confirmed. In the Roman Church, Confirmation is delayed until the person is “spiritually matured” There should be adequate preparation and instruction; along with a commitment to living out the Catholic faith.

The Minister of the Sacrament As the successor to the Apostles, the bishop is the ordinary minister of Confirmation. Bishops possess the fullness of the Sacrament of Holy Orders. Priests can confirm during the Easter Vigil and in case of an emergency.