The Sacraments of Initiation
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Sacrament of Baptism
The celebration of Baptism is the joyful occasion, This is the moment wherein an infant, child, teenager, or adult is washed clean of sin. The newly baptized are received as a child of God into a life of grace. He or she is initiated as a member of the Body of Christ, the Church.
The ordinary minister of Baptism is a bishop, priest, or deacon. In the event of a life-threatening emergency any baptized individual may administer the sacrament using water and the following ritual.
The Rite of Baptism includes the pouring of water and saying the words, “I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and the Holy Spirit.” An infant or young child, under the age of 7, also receives a simple anointing with Holy Chrism.
The sacrament of Baptism should be celebrated during the regular Sunday Eucharistic celebration, IN this manner the entire faith community is gathered and can welcome its new member(s). However, the sacrament may be celebrated at other times and/or locations including private homes, hospitals, or other settings as pastoral circumstances may necessitate.
Sacrament of Confirmation
Confirmation marks the completion or “sealing with the Holy Spirit” of one’s faith development and full initiation in the Church.
The ordinary minister of the sacrament of Confirmation is the Diocesan Bishop. However, he/she typically grant the faculty to administer the sacrament to priests as warranted by the celebration of Confirmation during the Easter Vigil.
The Rite of Confirmation includes the laying on of hands and invocation of the Holy Spirit. Those confirmed are anointed with Sacred Chrism on the head as prescribed in the Rite of Confirmation.
The sacrament of Confirmation is administered to older children who have attained the “age of reason,” (generally regarded as age 7), teenagers, and adults who have been baptized previously in the Church. Those older children, teenagers, and adults who have not been baptized previously are ordinarily baptized and confirmed during the annual Easter Vigil Mass, with their priest pastor serving as the delegated minister of the sacrament.
Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist
All persons within the Reformed Catholic Church are invited and encouraged to participate in the Eucharistic celebrations held each Sunday and on Holy Days in which they will hear the Word of God and may receive the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ.
The celebration of the Eucharist is considered “the source and summit” of our Christian life. We are called to direct our thanks and praise to God while receiving a renewal of grace and faith.
The minister of the Eucharist (also known as the Presider or Celebrant) is ordinarily a bishop or priest. In their absence, a deacon or Licensed Lay Minister may lead the celebration using pre-consecrated Eucharistic hosts.
All Catholics, Christians, and other people of goodwill are welcome to participate in the Mass and receive Communion. This also applies to other sacraments of the Church.
The reception of Holy Communion in the Reformed Catholic Church is not reserved only to members “in good standing” or without sin. Similarly, all present should be encouraged to take an active role in the celebration by proclaiming the readings, leading music or singing, and/or by helping to minister Holy Communion.
Do you have further questions on the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, or Eucharist? Please use the contact form at the bottom of this page to contact our pastor. Thank you.