Confirmation
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Baptism
Baptism is the first sacrament we receive as Christians and Catholics and there is so much more to it than just pouring water over a baby’s head. Original sin and personal sins are forgiven, and we become a new creation, a new child of God the Father, members of the Body of Christ, temples of the Holy Spirit, members of the Church, and participants in the priesthood of Christ. We are given a permanent character of being a Christian. 1 Peter 2:5
Jesus tells us in John’s Gospel that a man must be born “again” and “from above” with both “water and spirit” in order to gain the Kingdom of heaven. The Greek word John uses, “anōthen,” carries the dual meaning of being born “again” and born “from above.” Jesus Himself is baptized by John the Baptist as an example for us of the importance of this sacrament. In Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus instructs the apostles, the first bishops of the Church, to “go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” When Peter was converting the Jews, he asked all of those who had come to believe the truth of Christ to “repent, and be baptized… in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins.” John 3:3, 5; Matthew 3:13-17, 28:19; Acts 2:38
The water of Baptism literally washes away all of our sin. It washes away our original sin — the mark left on our souls, inherited from our first parents when they decided to turn their hearts away from God’s will. Baptism also washes away all of our personal sins — the sins we have committed by our own free will. The water represents both the washing away of the death of sin and the nourishment of the new life in Christ — the new life from above. CCC 1214, 1263
Through the power and grace of the Sacrament of Baptism we are united with Christ’s actions on the cross. His death on the cross is our death to sin and His Resurrection is our resurrection to new life in Christ. This union with Jesus through Baptism also unites us with the Father as His adopted children. Just after Jesus’ baptism in the Jordan River, we hear of the Father’s voice from heaven proclaiming, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.” Through Baptism we also become children of God. Council of Trent, VI, iv; CCC 1213, 1265-1266; Luke 3:22.
When we are united with Christ in Baptism, we are united with the entire Body of Christ, the Church. Saint Paul tells us, “we are members one of another” because of our baptism. It is what incorporates us into the Church. This new life means that we no longer live for ourselves but live for Jesus who gave us this new life. This is what makes us all members of the same Church. CCC 1269; Ephesians 4:25
Baptism leaves an “indelible mark” on the soul. This means a permanent change of the very essence of the individual takes place through Baptism. Forever, in this life and in the next, the baptized soul is sealed with the mark of belonging to Christ. Sin cannot erase this mark, even if sin prevents the soul’s salvation. It also means that Baptism is only to be given once because of the nature of the sacrament. It lasts forever so it never needs to be repeated. CCC 1272-1274
In our baptism and membership in the Church community, we are called to live a new life with Christ. The Holy Spirit bestows new gifts to us through our baptism, which are later perfected through the Sacrament of Confirmation. This grace allows us to follow our Lord more closely in discipleship and to have hope for our resurrection on the last day. CCC 1274
How It Is Done
Since the time of the apostles, the Church has traditionally held that the Rite of Baptism should include the proclamation of the Word, acceptance of the Gospel by the person who is being baptized (signifying conversion), a profession of faith, and finally the actual baptism. For a person to be baptized, they must not have been previously baptized. Because of the indelible mark left on the soul, there is only a need for one baptism in a person’s life. CCC 1247-1254
Today, the majority of people are baptized as infants, and at the time of the baptism, the child’s parents and godparents make a pledge to teach the child about the faith and how to live according to the Gospel. The children who are baptized go through catechesis in order to know and believe the faith into which they have been baptized, and then they receive the Sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist when they are of the age of reason (when these sacraments are received is generally determined by your particular diocese). CCC 1231, 1242
All sacraments use real, tangible elements in order to signify the true aspect of the mystery of the sacrament that we may be unable to see. In Baptism, there must be the use of ordinary water. The pouring of the water over the head of the one being baptized, or the immersion of the one being baptized depending on the particular Session 15: Enter liturgy, along with the formal words of the sacrament — “(name of the one being baptized), I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit” — constitute a valid baptism. By this very act, sins are literally “washed away” and the new Christian is able to receive the Kingdom of heaven by their union with Christ. CCC 1238-1240
During the Rite of Baptism, the priest or deacon also administers holy chrism oil. Oil has been used since ancient times to anoint important people. During Baptism, the priest lays hands upon the person being baptized, explicitly renounces Satan, and anoints the baptized with the chrism to signify the gift of the Holy Spirit, which represents their new life in Christ. By our baptism, we too share in this inheritance as we share in Christ’s new life. To show this new life in Christ, a new white garment is traditionally worn by the person who is being baptized. It symbolizes that they have “put on Christ” through their baptism. CCC 1237, 1241-1243, 1256
How It is Lived
As baptized Christians, we are children of God and called to stand as a witness to the truth — a light in the darkness in the world. As one who is united to Christ, we are called to do what is right. This means we are called to follow directions and be subordinate to our authorities; we are to live as upstanding citizens and good and moral followers of Christ, who is the way, the truth, and the light. CCC 1269
In our Christian life, we encounter many “reminders” of our promise to live in accordance with the truth Christ teaches. Whenever we enter a Catholic church, we dip our fingers into the holy water and bless ourselves almost routinely. Do we ever stop and think why we have been taught to do so? It is supposed to remind us of our baptismal vows and renew our commitment to Christ. In fact, every time we make the Sign of the Cross, we acknowledge and affirm our baptismal commitment and new life in Christ.
Baptism is the beginning of a new life; it is the sacrament that leads us to all other sacraments and makes it possible for us to receive all the graces that God has in store for us through the other sacraments. May the various “reminders” of this sacrament renew us and give us new strength to grow closer to our Lord and lead a holy life as His disciples.
• Where were you baptized? When were you baptized? Who were your godparents?
• Have you ever asked your parents why they baptized you?
• What is your relationship like with your godparents? How could you strengthen this relationship?
• What role do you think your baptism has played in your life?
• How do you think you can grow in your understanding of and living out of your baptism?
Baptism is the first sacrament we receive as Christians and Catholics and there is so much more to it than just pouring water over a baby’s head. Original sin and personal sins are forgiven, and we become a new creation, a new child of God the Father, members of the Body of Christ, temples of the Holy Spirit, members of the Church, and participants in the priesthood of Christ. We are given a permanent character of being a Christian. 1 Peter 2:5
Jesus tells us in John’s Gospel that a man must be born “again” and “from above” with both “water and spirit” in order to gain the Kingdom of heaven. The Greek word John uses, “anōthen,” carries the dual meaning of being born “again” and born “from above.” Jesus Himself is baptized by John the Baptist as an example for us of the importance of this sacrament. In Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus instructs the apostles, the first bishops of the Church, to “go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” When Peter was converting the Jews, he asked all of those who had come to believe the truth of Christ to “repent, and be baptized… in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins.” John 3:3, 5; Matthew 3:13-17, 28:19; Acts 2:38
The water of Baptism literally washes away all of our sin. It washes away our original sin — the mark left on our souls, inherited from our first parents when they decided to turn their hearts away from God’s will. Baptism also washes away all of our personal sins — the sins we have committed by our own free will. The water represents both the washing away of the death of sin and the nourishment of the new life in Christ — the new life from above. CCC 1214, 1263
Through the power and grace of the Sacrament of Baptism we are united with Christ’s actions on the cross. His death on the cross is our death to sin and His Resurrection is our resurrection to new life in Christ. This union with Jesus through Baptism also unites us with the Father as His adopted children. Just after Jesus’ baptism in the Jordan River, we hear of the Father’s voice from heaven proclaiming, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.” Through Baptism we also become children of God. Council of Trent, VI, iv; CCC 1213, 1265-1266; Luke 3:22.
When we are united with Christ in Baptism, we are united with the entire Body of Christ, the Church. Saint Paul tells us, “we are members one of another” because of our baptism. It is what incorporates us into the Church. This new life means that we no longer live for ourselves but live for Jesus who gave us this new life. This is what makes us all members of the same Church. CCC 1269; Ephesians 4:25
Baptism leaves an “indelible mark” on the soul. This means a permanent change of the very essence of the individual takes place through Baptism. Forever, in this life and in the next, the baptized soul is sealed with the mark of belonging to Christ. Sin cannot erase this mark, even if sin prevents the soul’s salvation. It also means that Baptism is only to be given once because of the nature of the sacrament. It lasts forever so it never needs to be repeated. CCC 1272-1274
In our baptism and membership in the Church community, we are called to live a new life with Christ. The Holy Spirit bestows new gifts to us through our baptism, which are later perfected through the Sacrament of Confirmation. This grace allows us to follow our Lord more closely in discipleship and to have hope for our resurrection on the last day. CCC 1274
How It Is Done
Since the time of the apostles, the Church has traditionally held that the Rite of Baptism should include the proclamation of the Word, acceptance of the Gospel by the person who is being baptized (signifying conversion), a profession of faith, and finally the actual baptism. For a person to be baptized, they must not have been previously baptized. Because of the indelible mark left on the soul, there is only a need for one baptism in a person’s life. CCC 1247-1254
Today, the majority of people are baptized as infants, and at the time of the baptism, the child’s parents and godparents make a pledge to teach the child about the faith and how to live according to the Gospel. The children who are baptized go through catechesis in order to know and believe the faith into which they have been baptized, and then they receive the Sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist when they are of the age of reason (when these sacraments are received is generally determined by your particular diocese). CCC 1231, 1242
All sacraments use real, tangible elements in order to signify the true aspect of the mystery of the sacrament that we may be unable to see. In Baptism, there must be the use of ordinary water. The pouring of the water over the head of the one being baptized, or the immersion of the one being baptized depending on the particular Session 15: Enter liturgy, along with the formal words of the sacrament — “(name of the one being baptized), I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit” — constitute a valid baptism. By this very act, sins are literally “washed away” and the new Christian is able to receive the Kingdom of heaven by their union with Christ. CCC 1238-1240
During the Rite of Baptism, the priest or deacon also administers holy chrism oil. Oil has been used since ancient times to anoint important people. During Baptism, the priest lays hands upon the person being baptized, explicitly renounces Satan, and anoints the baptized with the chrism to signify the gift of the Holy Spirit, which represents their new life in Christ. By our baptism, we too share in this inheritance as we share in Christ’s new life. To show this new life in Christ, a new white garment is traditionally worn by the person who is being baptized. It symbolizes that they have “put on Christ” through their baptism. CCC 1237, 1241-1243, 1256
How It is Lived
As baptized Christians, we are children of God and called to stand as a witness to the truth — a light in the darkness in the world. As one who is united to Christ, we are called to do what is right. This means we are called to follow directions and be subordinate to our authorities; we are to live as upstanding citizens and good and moral followers of Christ, who is the way, the truth, and the light. CCC 1269
In our Christian life, we encounter many “reminders” of our promise to live in accordance with the truth Christ teaches. Whenever we enter a Catholic church, we dip our fingers into the holy water and bless ourselves almost routinely. Do we ever stop and think why we have been taught to do so? It is supposed to remind us of our baptismal vows and renew our commitment to Christ. In fact, every time we make the Sign of the Cross, we acknowledge and affirm our baptismal commitment and new life in Christ.
Baptism is the beginning of a new life; it is the sacrament that leads us to all other sacraments and makes it possible for us to receive all the graces that God has in store for us through the other sacraments. May the various “reminders” of this sacrament renew us and give us new strength to grow closer to our Lord and lead a holy life as His disciples.
• Where were you baptized? When were you baptized? Who were your godparents?
• Have you ever asked your parents why they baptized you?
• What is your relationship like with your godparents? How could you strengthen this relationship?
• What role do you think your baptism has played in your life?
• How do you think you can grow in your understanding of and living out of your baptism?
Choose one of the following Eucharistic Miracles and do some further research online, then answer the questions at the bottom of the page.
1. The Eucharistic Miracle of Lanciano: In the 700s, a priest in Lanciano, Italy was experiencing doubts about the real presence of Jesus in the Eucharist. In the middle of celebrating Mass, during the consecration, the bread and wine transformed into real human flesh and blood. The blood coagulated into five globules. The local archbishop launched an official investigation, and the Church approved the miracle. The flesh is preserved to this day and can be visited. A professor of anatomy, Odoardo Linoli, analyzed the flesh in 1971 and concluded that the flesh was cardiac tissue, the blood appeared to be fresh blood (as opposed to blood that was 1,200 years old), and there was no trace of preservatives.
2. The Eucharistic Miracle of Santarém: In the 1200s, a woman in Portugal was so distraught that her husband was unfaithful to her that she consulted a witch for help. The witch requested a host as payment. The woman attended Mass and attempted to take a consecrated host out of the church. As she left, the host began to bleed profusely. She tried to hide it in a trunk, but a light emanated from the trunk all night. She repented and confessed to her priest who retrieved the host and placed it in a monstrance, where it can be viewed to this day.
3. The Eucharistic Miracle of Saint Mary in Buenos Aires: In the 1990’s at St. Mary Parish in Buenos Aires, a host began bleeding during consecration and appeared to transform into human tissue. Intense scientific studies were requested and determined that the tissue was, in fact, human flesh from the heart and specifically the left ventricle. The tissue even showed signs of being alive — the researchers found white blood cells in the tissue, which do not live long outside of a living body. Pope Francis is the bishop who commissioned the study.
• Which Eucharistic miracle did you learn about? What happened during this miracle?
• What do you think is the most amazing aspect of this event?
• How did this Eucharistic miracle affect the lives of the people who witnessed it?
• How has learning about this Eucharistic miracle affected your life and your view of the Mass and Eucharist?
Is Mass a priority for our family? Why or why not?
What is one challenge you have with attending Mass?
How can you enter into the Mass more fully? How can we, as a family, better prepare for Mass?
Saint Ignatius of Loyola lived from 1556-1609, and he was a Spanish Catholic priest who founded the Society of Jesus, also known as the Jesuit order. As a young man, Ignatius wanted to be a famous soldier and fought in many battles. Eventually, he was permanently injured by a cannonball ricochet to his leg, which never fully healed. He had a conversion while he was recovering and felt a connection to the suffering of Jesus Christ in His own suffering. The Anima Christi, meaning “Soul of Christ,” is a traditional Catholic prayer that is often prayed after receiving Holy Communion. It is attributed to St. Ignatius. However, some manuscripts that include this prayer date to as early as one hundred years before Saint Ignatius. Nonetheless, St. Ignatius often quoted and referenced this prayer in his writings. Take a moment to read over and reflect upon the words silently.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Soul of Christ, sanctify me.
Body of Christ, save me.
Blood of Christ, inebriate me.
Water from the side of Christ, wash me.
Passion of Christ, strengthen me.
O good Jesus, hear me.
Within thy wounds hide me.
Permit me not to be separated from thee.
From the malignant enemy, defend me.
In the hour of my death, call me and bid me come unto thee.
That with thy saints I may praise thee Forever and ever.
Amen.
If you could be any superhero, who would you be?
Why are you drawn to that particular superhero? Why do you think people enjoy the stories of superheroes so much?
How do you think the Holy Spirit relates to this desire to see people living virtuous lives? How does the work that the Holy Spirit does in the world also bring comfort, goodness, truth and help those in need?
“But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, He will teach
you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.” (John 14:26)
“But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be my
witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samar’ia and to the end of the Earth.” (Acts
1:8)
“And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues, as the
Spirit gave them utterance.” (Acts 2:4)
“And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken;
and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God with boldness.”
(Acts 4:31)
“Hope does not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through
the Holy Spirit which has been given to us.” (Romans 5:5)
“If the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ
Jesus from the dead will give life to your mortal bodies also through His Spirit which
dwells in you.” (Romans 8:11)
“For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit
of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the spirit of sonship. When we cry,
‘Abba! Father!’ it is the Spirit Himself bearing witness with our spirit that we are children
of God.” (Romans 8:14-16)
“Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you?” (1
Corinthians 3:16)
“Therefore I want you to understand that no one speaking by the Spirit of God ever
says ‘Jesus be cursed!’ and no one can say ‘Jesus is Lord’ except by the Holy Spirit.” (1
Corinthians 12:3)
“For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body — Jews or Greeks, slaves or free —
and all were made to drink of one Spirit.” (1 Corinthians 12:13)
“Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” (2
Corinthians 3:17)
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
gentleness, self-control; against such there is no law.” (Galatians 5:22-23)
“For our gospel came to you not only in word, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit
and with full conviction. You know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake" (1 Thessalonians 1:5)
you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.” (John 14:26)
“But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be my
witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samar’ia and to the end of the Earth.” (Acts
1:8)
“And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues, as the
Spirit gave them utterance.” (Acts 2:4)
“And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken;
and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God with boldness.”
(Acts 4:31)
“Hope does not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through
the Holy Spirit which has been given to us.” (Romans 5:5)
“If the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ
Jesus from the dead will give life to your mortal bodies also through His Spirit which
dwells in you.” (Romans 8:11)
“For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit
of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the spirit of sonship. When we cry,
‘Abba! Father!’ it is the Spirit Himself bearing witness with our spirit that we are children
of God.” (Romans 8:14-16)
“Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you?” (1
Corinthians 3:16)
“Therefore I want you to understand that no one speaking by the Spirit of God ever
says ‘Jesus be cursed!’ and no one can say ‘Jesus is Lord’ except by the Holy Spirit.” (1
Corinthians 12:3)
“For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body — Jews or Greeks, slaves or free —
and all were made to drink of one Spirit.” (1 Corinthians 12:13)
“Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” (2
Corinthians 3:17)
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
gentleness, self-control; against such there is no law.” (Galatians 5:22-23)
“For our gospel came to you not only in word, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit
and with full conviction. You know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake" (1 Thessalonians 1:5)
• What words, phrases, or verses stood out to you the most and why?
• What was your image of the Holy Spirit before coming tonight? Has it changed at all?
• Looking over these verses, how would you describe the Holy Spirit to someone else? What adjectives or actions are associated with Him?
• What does it feel like to know that you will have the power of the same Holy Spirit the apostles received when you are Confirmed?
What is the biggest obstacle preventing you from pursuing the Holy Spirit right now?
• What was your image of the Holy Spirit before coming tonight? Has it changed at all?
• Looking over these verses, how would you describe the Holy Spirit to someone else? What adjectives or actions are associated with Him?
• What does it feel like to know that you will have the power of the same Holy Spirit the apostles received when you are Confirmed?
What is the biggest obstacle preventing you from pursuing the Holy Spirit right now?