Sacraments of initiation

In Eastern and Western Christian liturgical and pastoral traditions, the three sacraments of initiation (also called the “mysteries of initiation”) are Baptism, Confirmation, and the Eucharist. In the Latin Church and other Western denominations, the rite of infant baptism only has baptism conferred in babies. The Eucharist and Confirmation are postponed until the child achieves age of self-awareness. Eastern Orthodox and Eastern Catholic groups administer all three to infants.

Adults are normally baptized after enrollment as a catechumen, either formally, as in the Latin Rite, or more informally, as in some Eastern Catholic Churches. Although not a true member of the Church, catechumens may have some share in Christ, according to the Church.

According to the Catechism, baptism makes one a member of the Body of Christ and prepares one for the reception of the other sacraments. Confirmation is the anointing in the Holy Spirit. The Eucharist gives one the "food of eternal life" (John 6:54), and allows one to receive Jesus.

Celebration

According to Roman Catholic theology, the way the sacraments of initiation are celebrated is meant to bring a neophyte to experience and know, through visible sacramental signs and gestures, eternal life and grace Jesus has brought into this world. They are always accompanied by the Word of God.[1] Particular focus is placed on the paschal mystery of Christ's death and resurrection. The privileged time of celebrating them is Easter, and by the 4th century it was accepted as the normal time of administering them, although it was also allowed on Pentecost.[2][3]

See also

References

  1. ↑ Liam G. Walsh (1988) The Sacraments of Christian Initiation, p. 1
  2. ↑ Pope Siricius, Letter to Himerius, 2.3; PL 13,1134
  3. ↑ Edward Yarnold SJ, (1971), The awe inspiring rites of initiation, p. 7.

Bibliography

  • Raniero Cantalamessa OFMCap, (1993) Introduction, in: Easter in the Early Church. An Anthology of Jewish and Early Christian Texts, J.M. Quigley SJ, J.T. Lienhard SJ (translators & editors), Collegville, Minnesota: The Liturgical Press, pp. 1–23, ISBN 0-8146-2164-3
  • Fisher, J.D.C., (1970) Christian initiation. The Reformation period. Some early reformed rites of Baptism and Confirmation and other contemporary Documents, London: SPCK, p. 273.
  • Kenan B. Osborne, OFM, (1987), The Christian Sacraments of Initiation. Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist, New York-Mahwah: Paulist Press, ISBN 0-8091-2886-1
  • Liam G. Walsh OP, (1988) The Sacraments of Christian Initiation. Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist. London: Geoffrey Chapman, ISBN 0-225-66499-2, p. 317.
  • Edward Yarnold SJ, (1971) The awe inspiring rites of initiation. Baptismal homilies of the fourth century, Slough: St. Paul Publications, p. 292 ISBN 0-85439-082-0
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