BASTY M.

CAYABYAB
6 - SATURN

Becoming Part of the Catholic Church: Baptism, and Confirmation

There are seven Sacraments of the Catholic Church which are essential for
salvation and living the life that Christ intended us to live. Of these seven, there are
three important Sacraments that initiate an individual and welcome him or her into the
family of Christ Baptism, Communion, and Confirmation. Baptism is the foundation of
the Sacrament of initiation and frees one from original sin. Confirmation is the second
Sacrament of initiation and is a ritual that signifies strengthening of ones faith.
Communion is the third and in this Catholics partake the Body and Blood of Christ to be
a part of his sacrifice. These three Sacraments serve to confirm, strengthen, and
increase ones faith and closeness with the community of Christ.

Baptism
Derived from the Greek word, bapto or baptizo,
baptism means to wash or immerse. The ritual of
Baptism symbolizes the washing away of sins and
cleansing the soul by immersing it in water. Baptism is
an important Sacrament and being baptized is an
important part of being initiated into the family of the
Catholic Church. Water baptism is an act of obedience
and represents forgiveness and unity with Christ and
the Holy Trinity of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Confirmation
Confirmation is the completion of the process of
initiation into the family of Christ and is preceded by
Baptism and the Holy Eucharist. It is one of the 7
Sacraments of Catholicism. Confirmation involves
being responsible for ones faith and actions and is a
coming-of-age ceremony. Performed by the Bishop,
the confirmation rituals involve laying on of hands as
well as anointing with holy oils. In addition, the person
chooses a new name which is generally the name of a
saint and is added to the Christian name after being
confirmed by the Bishop.