Sacraments of Initiation

March 28, 2010

Sacraments of Initiation
This spring I am taking a course in Liturgy and Sacraments at St. John’s Seminary. I’ve just completed studying the Sacraments of Initiation which include Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist. As I read the history and theology of these sacraments I am filled with awe and often find myself saying “just how cool is this!”

In Baptism we are healed of our broken relationship with God (caused by the Fall in the Garden of Eden). We are joined together to form a community, a Church, founded in Christ, to the benefit of ourselves and mankind. In Confirmation our Baptismal vows are strengthened with the seal of the Holy Spirit and we are given the Gifts of the Holy Spirit to help us to lead fruitful Christian lives. The summit of Christian initiation lies in the Eucharist. The Eucharist is the ultimate sacrifice that we center our lives around. In the Eucharist we become one with Christ and share in the Paschal Mystery.

This year, at, our Easter Vigil, we will be receiving into the Church two young women, Jennifer and Robin Little. Robin will be receiving Confirmation and the Eucharist for the first time and Jennifer will be receiving Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist. As we witness Jennifer and Robin receiving these sacraments for the first time let us reflect back upon our own reception into the Church. Let us recall the joy our parents, family and Jesus felt as we were baptized into the faith (and perhaps you recall your own joy if baptized as an adult.). Let us recall our awe and wonder as we received the Eucharist for the first time. And let us recall when the Holy Spirit came upon us when the Bishop proclaimed “be sealed with the Holy Spirit.” Let us pray for Jennifer and Robin as they begin their journey as newly initiated Catholics. Let us welcome them into our faith and our hearts. God Bless, Holly Clark