Catholic Sacraments

Catholic Sacraments

1. Baptism

   • Initiation sacrament
   • You can only be baptised once
   • Usually only happens in infants but can happen in adults
   • Important for eternal life
   • What happens on the day
     • Water is poured 3 times over the baby's head
       • Shows new life and the washing away of sins
     • The bible is read and prayers are said
     • The child is anointed with oils
       • The oil of Chrism shows that the child is specially chosen by God (in the Old Testament kings were anointed with oils) It also symbolises strength to fight evil and salvation
     • The sign of the cross is made on the child's forehead
       • Shows that the child is called to fight evil and remain faithful to Christ
     • The parents promise to bring the child up well in the Christian faith
     • The child is clothed in a white robe
       • Shows new life and faith, clothed with Christ. Its white colour represents purity
     • A candle is lit and given to the child
       • Shows the child has received the light of Christ
   • Baptism in the Bible
     • Jesus was baptised by John who was his cousin. By being baptised he was identifying with what John was doing. At first John refused to baptise Jesus, as he believed that it should be Jesus doing the baptising (as the messiah). However he did as he was asked and during the baptism Jesus experienced the Holy Spirit entering his life and heard God's assurance that he was the son of God. The Gospels say that the Holy Spirit came in the form of a dove, so some Christians believe this literally happened.
     • Just before the ascension, Jesus told his disciples to: 'Go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit

2. Confirmation

   • Is the final initiation sacrament
   • Is when a Catholic decides for themsleves that they want to follow the Catholic faith and so confirm themselves the vows taken on their behalf by their parents and godparents at Baptism
   • The person receives the gifts of the Holy Spirit
     • Right judgement
     • Wisdom
     • Reverence
     • Awe and wonder
     • Knowledge
     • Courage
     • Understanding
   • Links with Baptism
     • In Confirmation Catholic renew the promises made on their behalf at baptism
     • In baptism Catholics are anointed as a sign that they being strengthened for the job they have to do
     • In Confirmation we are older and capable of knowing the difference between right and wrong but sometimes decisions are difficult to make so the Holy Spirit gives us gifts to help us in our task
   • How confirmation is celebrated
     • Before
       • Confirmation is usually administered by a bishop who comes to the church especially for the sacrament
       • Confirmation is usually done for a group of candidates at a time
       • The candidates have to complete a preparation programme before they are allowed to receive the sacrament
       • As part of the programme candidates learn about the sacrament, chose a confirmation name (the name of a saint that has inspired them in some way) and chose a sponsor who will bring them to the bishop and support them in their faith
     • On the day
       • The candidates name is read out by a catechist as the candidate is presented to the bishop
       • Renewal of the baptismal vows as the candidate repeats the promises made on their behalf during their baptism
       • The candidate comes forward and kneels in front of the bishop. Their confirmation name is read out. The candidate's sponsor stands behind the candidate and places their hand on the right shoulder of the candidate
       • The bishop holds his hands above the candidate and then lowers to touch the top of their head. This laying on of hands symbolises the coming of the Holy Spirit
       • The bishop makes the sign of the cross using Chrism oil on the candidate's forehead
       • The Bishop confirms the candidate using the words 'be sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit
   • Why is it important
     • It completes ths sacraments of initiation