Sacraments of Initiation by Maureen A

SacramenTs of IniTiaTion by Maureen A. Kelly “The sacraments of Christian initiation—Baptism, Confi rmation, and the Eucharist—lay the foundations of every Christian life…” Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1212 History Confi rmation: Sacrament of Initiation In the early Christian Church, Christian initiation The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults restored the was presided over by the bishop during the Easter order of the Sacraments for the unbaptized, and Vigil. Catechumens were baptized, anointed, and those who are baptized as infants are subjects of the then led to the Lord’s Supper—all at the same newly revised Rite of Confi rmation. Twentieth-centu- celebration. This initiation event was thought of as a ry practice has led to a wide difference in when this culmination of evangelization and catechesis that Sacrament of Initiation is celebrated. In 1910 Pius X was marked by conversion. The neophytes were recommended in his encyclical Quam Singulari that being initiated into the Paschal Mystery of the death the First Communion of children should not and Resurrection of the Risen Lord and were being be deferred too long after they had reached the age made members of his Body, the Church. of reason. At that time, children who had been baptized as infants usually celebrated First Commu- Western and Eastern Church Practices nion in the early teen years, and Confi rmation was Gradually the Church spread over a large geograph- celebrated at an earlier age. Once children began to ic region, the Baptism of infants replaced adult fully participate in the Eucharist at an earlier age, baptism as normative, and the initiation structure the age for Confi rmation varied and was not neces- was divided. Baptisms were celebrated more than sarily linked to one’s First Communion. once a year and it became impossible for the bishop to preside at all these events. Since the Western As a result of Rites issued by the Church after the Church kept the celebration of Confi rmation for the Second Vatican Council, many dioceses and parishes bishop, the initiation event became separated into in the United States have adopted the practice of three different events. However, the Eastern Church restored order—celebrating Confi rmation prior to continued to baptize, chrismate, and bring the newly First Communion. Still others confi rm, at varying baptized to the table at the same time. times—between the ages of seven and sixteen. Seven Sacraments Conclusion By the thirteenth century, theologians named and Although the timing of initiation has varied over defi ned seven Sacraments. The list remains un- the centuries, each variation aids our understanding. changed today. In the twentieth century, the Second At the heart of initiation and our Catholic identity is Vatican Council called for the restoration of the the Holy Spirit calling individuals to initial-and- catechumenate, recovered the notion of initiation, ongoing conversion to the person and message of and restored the order of initiation for unbaptized Jesus, and a fuller participation in his mission as adults and children of catechetical age. Later the participants in his Church. Catechism of the Catholic Church explicitly grouped the seven Sacraments into three categories: Sacra- ments of Initiation (Baptism, Confi rmation, Eucha- rist), Sacraments of Reconciliation and Healing (Penance, Anointing of the Sick), and Sacraments in Service to Communion (Matrimony, Holy Orders). Sacraments of Initiation 1 11ASA012_CU5056_CSB.indd 1 4/1/11 4:01 PM The Theology of ConfirmaTion by Rev. Paul Turner “. by the sacrament of Confi rmation, [the baptized] are more perfectly bound to the Church and are enriched with a special strength of the Holy Spirit. Hence they are, as true witnesses of Christ, more strictly obliged to spread and defend the faith by word and deed.” 2 Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1285 Initiation the age of seven (Canon 891). But conferences of Confi rmation is a Sacrament of Christian initiation bishops may establish another age. In the United (CCC, 1285). This is most evident when it is celebrat- States, the age varies from about seven to sixteen. ed together with Baptism according to the Rite of Some people who were not confi rmed as children Christian Initiation of Adults. “The conjunction of the receive the Sacrament as adults. Others receive it two celebrations signifi es the unity of the paschal shortly before death. mystery, the close link between the mission of the Whenever Confi rmation is deferred from infancy, Son and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, and the the Church expects that some maturation of faith connection between the two sacraments through will have taken place. Still, adult faith should not be which the Son and the Holy Spirit confused with the adult age of natural growth, and come with the Father to those who baptismal grace does not need are baptized” (215). ratifi cation to become effective In the Eastern Rites, the priest who Whenever Confirmation (CCC, 1308). baptizes an infant also confi rms “is deferred from infancy, (or chrismates). The anointing the Church expects that Full Communion consecrates the newly baptized some maturation of faith The Church confers Confi rmation with the Gifts of the Spirit and on those who have been validly constitutes a spiritual preparation will have taken place. baptized in other Christian for communion, which the child ” traditions but now join the full receives in the same ceremony. communion of the Roman Catholic In the Roman Rite, if a newborn is not expected to Church. In the ceremony, they make a profession live, a priest who baptizes the child may also ad- of faith in all that the Catholic Church believes, minister Confi rmation. Such a child does not need teaches, and proclaims to be revealed by God. They to be old enough to undergo preparation. Confi rma- are received into full communion, and then the tion is an initiation rite, fi lling the newborn with the priest administers Confi rmation. The new Catholic Gifts of God’s Spirit. then receives communion for the fi rst time. Maturity Conclusion To be confi rmed, a person baptized as an infant in In all these instances, however, two themes remain the Roman Rite normally has to be catechized, be constant: Confi rmation is a gift of the Holy Spirit, properly disposed, and be able to renew baptismal and it is given for the sake of bearing witness to promises (Code of Canon Law 889/2). The person Christ. may be as young as the age of discretion, or about 2LG 11; cf. OC, Introduction 2. 2 The Theology of Confi rmation 11ASA012_CU5056_CSB.indd 2 4/1/11 4:01 PM The RiTe Of ConfirmaTion The Sacrament of Confi rmation is conferred through The Anointing with Chrism the anointing with chrism on the forehead, which is Each candidate goes before the bishop. The done by the laying on of the hand and through the sponsor places his or her right hand on the candi- words: “Be sealed with the Gift of the Holy Spirit.” (26) date’s shoulder and gives the candidate’s name to In order to keep the fundamental connection of the bishop, or the candidate may give his or her Confi rmation to Baptism and the Eucharist as own name. Sacraments of Initiation, there is a renewal of The bishop dips his right thumb in the chrism and baptismal promises during the celebration of Confi r- makes the Sign of the Cross on the candidate’s mation and it is preferred that Confi rmation be forehead. celebrated within the Mass so all can participate in the Eucharist since “Christian initiation reaches its Bishop: [Name], be sealed with the Gift of culmination in the communion of the body and the Holy Spirit. blood of Christ.” (13) Candidate: Amen. Order of the Rite of Confi rmation Bishop: Peace be with you. within Mass Candidate: And also with you. Liturgy of the Word The Liturgy of the Word is celebrated in the Prayer of the Faithful ordinary way. Prayers are offered for those who were confi rmed, their parents and godparents, the Church, and the Sacrament of Confi rmation world. Presentation of the Candidates Liturgy of the Eucharist The pastor, another priest, deacon, or catechist At the conclusion of the Prayer of the Faithful, the presents the candidates for Confi rmation. Usually Liturgy of the Eucharist continues according to the each candidate is called by name and comes forward Order of Mass except that with his or her sponsor or parent. • the profession of faith is omitted Homily or Instruction • some of the newly confi rmed may bring the The bishop gives a brief homily to help the whole gifts to the altar assembly understand the meaning of Confi rmation. Blessing Renewal of Baptismal Promises Instead of the usual blessing, the bishop prays a The candidates stand and renew their baptismal special blessing or prayer over the people. promises before the bishop or priest. The Laying on of Hands The bishop and the priests who will minister the Sacrament of Confi rmation lay hands on all the candidates by extending their hands over them. The bishop alone prays the prayer asking God for the Gifts of the Holy Spirit. The Rite of Confi rmation 3 11ASA012_CU5056_CSB.indd 3 4/1/11 4:01 PM HisTory Of ConfirmaTion by Rev. Paul Turner The Coming of the Holy Spirit communion immediately (even to infants), and On Pentecost the disciples of Jesus huddled in a Confi rmation followed later. No special preparation room, mourning a loss, fearing the future. Suddenly was required. a sound as of wind and tongues as of fi re appeared. The Holy Spirit came and empowered them to spread Thirteenth Century the Good News of resurrection and redemption (See Several developments occurred in the 13th century.

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