10 Baptism and Confirmation We may be members of so many different organisations or legal bodies. It might be a special interest group, a social club, a sports club, a trades union or political party. We might join an organisation that gives us certain benefits like insurance, and of course we might be citizen of one or more countries. Membership carries with it benefits and responsibilities, and to become a member we will need certain qualifications and have to make some kind of commitment. Becoming a Christian is in many ways like all these groups. We have to make a commitment and be received into membership. The unitary rite It all began with Jesus' command to his followers on Ascension Day: Go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. (Matthew 28:19-20). From the earliest times, Baptism was the main point of entry into the Church - but it was also very closely associated with two other ceremonies: Confirmation, when the candidate is anointed with oil to be Sealed with the Gift of the Holy Spirit (like the day of Pentecost), and Eucharist, the receiving of communion, which is the most important sacrament for the Christian to receive. Three three together - Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist - are known as the Sacraments of Initiation. We are going to look at Baptism and Confirmation here. Baptism The word baptism comes from a word meaning "Washing" and for the first Christians this would take place in rivers or in large pools. Baptism is important because is the sacrament by which we become Christians, and so is the gateway to all the other sacraments. It frees us from Original Sin, the Sin which we are born with and which is all around us, and it makes us children of God and members of the Church. The Catechism tells us that it is "the ordinary way of salvation for every human being". The ceremony of baptism includes a number of symbolic ceremonies: The Sign of the Cross : The Priest makes the sign of the cross on the forehead (and invites parents and godparents to do the same). This symbolises the child being marked out for Christ. Anointing on the Chest: The priest anoints the chest of the candidate with the Oil of Catechumens. This symbolises the removal of Original Sin and protection against the power of evil. Blessing of Water: The priest blesses the Water which is usually in a font, specially set aside for baptism. The water represents new life and salvation from sin. Baptismal Commitment: The candidates publicly proclaim their belief in the Christian faith. This a statement of the commitment of life and of trust in God. Godparents make the promises on behalf a baby. Immersion in Water: The Candidate is immersed in water or has water poured upon the head while the priests says the words for baptism. This symbolises the washing away of sin and rising with Christ to new life. Anointing with Chrism: The priest anoints the candidate with Chrism on the Crown of the Head. The represents that he/she is welcomes into the Kingdom of Christ and becomes with him a son/daughter or God. The White Garment: The newly baptised person is clothed in a white garment (usually a scarf or shawl). This represents the purity of the life they have received. The Candle: The newly baptised person is given a candle which is lit from the Paschal Candle. This represents the Light of Christ guiding him/her throughout life, and sharing in his risen life. Who receives baptism Anyone not already baptised can receive Baptism. They must have a belief in the Christian Faith inspired by God. Following early Church practice, the Church also baptises the children of Christian parents who make an act of faith and commitment on their child’s behalf. New born babies should be baptised as soon as possible. Who baptises? A bishop, priest or deacon normally baptises. In cases of necessity (such as danger of death) any person can baptise if they intend to do what the Church does in Baptism. They must use water and the Trinitarian formula: “[Name] I baptise you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.” Confirmation Confirmation completes the Christian initiation begun in Baptism, making us spiritually adult by means of a permanent ‘seal’ upon our souls. In this sacrament the Holy Spirit also gives us seven gifts that enable us to see and act well spiritually. These gifts empower us to publicly proclaim the Gospel and to defend the faith against opposition. Confirmation and Pentecost Confirmation perpetuates in the Church the grace of Pentecost, the day when the disciples received the Holy Spirit to preach the gospel. (CCC 1288) The Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit In confirmation we receive the Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Wisdom: An illumination that enables a grasp of the ultimate realities of God and divine things. Understanding: To see the truth, meaning and implications of what God has revealed. Knowledge: To see created things in their right relation to God (such as family life in God’s service). Fortitude (Courage): To have the strength and confidence to accomplish difficult actions. Counsel (Right Judgment) To perceive the actions we must do in particular situations. Piety (Devotion or Respect): To have familial respect for God, other persons and holy things. Fear of the Lord (Awe & Wonder) To have a holy fear of offending God because of our love of God. How do we receive confirmation? Confirmation is normally given by a bishop to older children or young adults as they begin to take on their full Christian responsibilities. The rite of Confirmation has the following structure: Those about to receive Confirmation renew their baptismal promises. The bishop prays over them for the coming of the Holy Spirit. The bishop anoints the forehead of each with holy oil (chrism), while praying the words, “Be sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit.” Final Prayer From the ‘Veni Creator Spiritus’ Come, Holy Spirit, Creator blest, and in our souls take up Thy rest; come with Thy grace and heavenly aid to fill the hearts which Thou hast made. O comforter, to Thee we cry, O heavenly gift of God Most High, O fount of life and fire of love, and sweet anointing from above. Thou in Thy sevenfold gifts are known; Thou, finger of God's hand we own; Thou, promise of the Father, Thou Who dost the tongue with power imbue. Amen.