C5 - rites of passage Flashcards
define sacrament
A religious ceremony or act regarded as a means of divine grace, such as baptism or marriage.
define original sin
The Christian doctrine that all humans inherit a sinful nature due to the fall of Adam and Eve.
define baptism
sacrament in Christianity that symbolizes initiation into the faith and the cleansing of sins. It represents a commitment to follow Jesus Christ.
define Catechesis
The religious instruction given to a person in preparation for baptism.
define Immersion
The act of being submerged in water, symbolising death to sin and rebirth in Christ.
define rite of pasage
ceremony or event marking an important stage in someone’s life
define Godparents
Individuals chosen to support a child’s spiritual growth and guide them in their faith journey.
define Sponsors
Individuals who take responsibility for guiding a person in their faith, particularly during confirmation.
define Anointing with Oil
A ritual representing being set apart for God’s purpose and blessing.
define Lighting a Candle
A symbolic act representing the light of Christ entering the individual’s life.
types of baptism & which denominations practice which
-infant baptism - Catholic, Orthodox, Anglican
-adult baptism - Baptist, Pentecostal, Evangelical
-dedication - Evangelical
-believer’s baptism - Baptist, Pentecostal
what is:
-infant baptism
-adult baptism
-dedication
-believer’s baptism
-infant baptism - Performed on infants, symbolizing entrance into the Christian community; involves sprinkling or pouring water.
-adult baptism - Baptism of adults who have converted to Christianity, often involving full immersion.
-dedication ceremony - A ceremony where parents dedicate their child to God without baptizing them.
-believer’s baptism - Baptism of individuals who profess personal faith, usually by full immersion.
significance of infant baptism
-signifies the child’s entry into the Christian community and the parents’ commitment to raise the child in the faith.
-involves the use of holy water, prayers, and the signing of the cross on the child’s forehead & choosing Godparents
-belief that God’s grace is available to all = about the individual’s faith & God’s initiative in welcoming the child into the faith community.
-significance: believed to cleanse original sin which is inherited by man
-has sponsor/ god parent
significance of adult baptism
-emphasises the individual’s personal faith and decision to follow Christ
-the person makes a conscious choice to accept Jesus as their Savior & catechesis happens
-do full immersion = seen as a public declaration of faith, symbolizing the individual’s death to sin and rebirth in Christ
-significance: reflects the belief that baptism should be a personal decision made by someone who understands the commitment they are making
significance of dedication
-parents dedicate their child to God without performing baptism
-focus is on the parents’ commitment to raise the child in a Christian environment
-pastor prays for child, no water used
-significance: allows parents to express their intentions to nurture their child’s spiritual life without the theological implications of baptism, particularly the belief in original sin
Significance of believer’s baptism
-person chooses to be baptized after making a personal decision to accept Christ.
-symbolizes their faith and commitment to the Christian community & a public declaration of their beliefs
-significance: importance of personal faith and the conscious decision to follow Christ.
-has sponser
Role of Godparents
-chosen during infant baptism
-support the child’s spiritual growth & guide them in their faith journey
-involved in Church activities and child’s religious education
Role of sponsers
-involved in adult baptism, affirming the individual’s faith & commitment to the church.
-mentors & help newly baptized people in the community
Baptism rituals & their symbolism
- Immersion in Water: the cleansing of sins and new life in Christ, associated with believers’ baptism.
- Pouring Water: presence of the Holy Spirit and the washing away of impurities, used in infant baptism.
- Anointing with Oil: being set apart for God’s purpose and blessing, performed during the baptism ceremony.
- Lighting a Candle: the light of Christ entering the individual’s life, in baptism services to represent the new believer’s journey of faith.
similarities in baptism among denominations
- All traditions view baptism as a significant rite of initiation into the Christian faith.
- Each emphasizes the importance of community and support in the baptism process.
differences in baptism among denominations
- Infant vs. Believers’ Baptism: Catholic and Orthodox churches do infant baptism, Protestant do believers’ baptism. This difference stems from varying theological interpretations of sin and grace.
- Methods of Baptism: The Catholic and Orthodox churches use immersion/ pouring, Protestants may use both methods depending on the denomination. This reflects differing views on the symbolism and necessity of the baptismal act.
- Role of Godparents: Prominent in Catholic and Orthodox practices but less emphasized in Protestant traditions. This highlights the varying views on community involvement in a child’s spiritual upbringing.
infant baptism in Catholic, Orthodox & Protestant
Catholic - after birth, holy water & prayers, Godparents
Orthodox - after birth, holy water & prayers, Godparents
Protestant - no common
adult baptism in Catholic, Orthodox & Protestant
Catholic - not common
Orthodox - not common
Protestant - full immersion; declaration of faith
dedication in Catholic, Orthodox & Protestant
Catholic - not common
Orthodox - not common
Protestant - common; parents commit to raising child in faith
water usage in Baptism in Catholic, Orthodox & Protestant
Catholic - pouring/ immersion
Orthodox - pouring/ immersion
Protestant - mostly immersion
Prayers & blessing in baptism in Catholic, Orthodox & Protestant
Catholic - prayers, blessings, and signing of the cross
Orthodox - prayers, blessings
Protestant - prayers; less formalized
symbolic gestures in baptism in Catholic, Orthodox & Protestant
Catholic - signing of the cross, lighting of a candle
Orthodox - lighting of a candle, anointing with oil
Protestant - lighting of a candle, may include anointing.
define Confirmation
-A Christian (often Catholic and Orthodox) rite of passage which strengthens or seals the gifts of the Holy Spirit already given during Baptism
-A sacrament in which individuals affirm their faith and commitment to God, usually following infant baptism.
define First Communion
The first time a person receives the Eucharist (bread and wine) in certain Christian denominations that believe in the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist (transubstantiation), such as Catholic and Orthodox.
define Chrismation
A sacrament in the Orthodox Church, equivalent to Confirmation in Catholicism. It is a rite of anointing with holy oil (called chrism) and is closely linked with Baptism. Chrismation typically occurs immediately after Baptism, marking the newly baptised individual’s full reception into the Church.
define Affirmation of belief
The declaration of one’s faith and commitment to follow Jesus, often made during confirmation.
define full member
The status attained after confirmation or First Communion, signifying one’s active participation in the church community.
define Eucharist
Also known as Holy Communion, it’s a Christian rite commemorating Jesus’ Last Supper.
define Chrism
Consecrated oil used in some Christian ceremonies, including Confirmation and baptism for Orthodox churches.
define Sponsor
A person who supports and guides a candidate through Confirmation.
define Denomination
A recognized branch of the Christian Church.
Baptism, First Communion & confirmation in Catholic, Orthodox, Anglican & Protestant
-Catholic - infant baptism, First Communion at age 7-8, Confirmation at 12-16
-Orthodox - infant baptism, Confirmation & first communion tgt, Chrismation after baptism = priest anoints the newly baptized infant with chrism, confirming them in the faith
-Anglican - similar to Catholic, some branches delay Confirmation until teen/ adult, First communion before/ after Confirmation depending on tradition
-Protestant - some infant baptism & confirmation later, some don’t do Confirmation because believer’s baptism itself is seen as the public profession of faith, First communion varies
Catholic Conformation process
- Infant baptism
- Religious education (begins at age 6-7)
- First Reconciliation (Confession) preparation & reception (at age 7-8)
- First Communion preparation & reception (at age 7-8)
- Continued religious education (through parish catechism classes)
- Confirmation preparation (begins 1-2 years before Confirmation)
- Includes study of Catholic doctrine, sacraments, and moral teachings
- May involve retreats, service projects, & faith-sharing experiences
- Selection of a sponsor (typically a confirmed Catholic who serves as a faith mentor)
- Confirmation ceremony (usually early teens, presided over by a bishop, or in some circumstances, a priest may be authorized to perform Confirmation, especially during the Easter Vigil or in areas with limited access to a bishop.)
- Includes renewal of baptismal promises
- Anointing with chrism
- Laying on of hands by the bishop or priest
Orthodox chrismation process
- Baptism of the infant
- Full immersion in blessed water
- Exorcism prayers and renunciation of Satan
- Chrismation immediately following baptism
- Anointing with chrism on various parts of the body (forehead, eyes, nostrils, mouth, ears, chest, hands, and feet)
- Each anointing accompanied by the words “The seal of the gift of the Holy Spirit”
- First Communion, typically given immediately after Chrismation
- The newly baptized and chrismated infant receives a small amount of the consecrated wine mixed and given to the infant on a small spoon
- Continued participation in church life and education throughout childhood and beyond
- Regular reception of Holy Communion
- Religious education classes
- Participation in liturgical services and feast days
symbolism in Confirmation
- Reciting the Nicene Creed to affirm personal belief.
- Wearing a cross or crucifix as a sign of faith.
- Laying on of hands: descent of the Holy Spirit, reenacting the Pentecost event
- Anointing with chrism: being sealed with the gifts of the Holy Spirit (wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord)
- Renewal of baptismal promises: Affirms personal commitment to faith and rejection of sin and evil
- Bishop’s role: In Catholic and Anglican traditions, the bishop typically performs Confirmation, symbolizing apostolic succession and the unity of the Church
symbolism in First Communion
- Reception of bread and wine: believed to become the actual body and blood of Christ through transubstantiation (Catholic) or a form of real presence (Orthodox). Many Protestant denominations, however, view the Eucharist symbolically. This fulfils Jesus’ command at the Last Supper
- Wearing special clothing (often white): Represents purity and new life in Christ, often includes symbols like crosses or chalices
- Lighting a candle: Christ as the light of the world and the candidate’s role in spreading that light
- Procession: Many First Communion ceremonies include a procession of the children, symbolizing their journey of faith
- Prayers and blessings: Special prayers are often said for the children receiving their First Communion, asking for God’s grace and guidance in their spiritual lives
- Wearing a cross or crucifix as a sign of faith.
- Reciting the Nicene Creed to affirm personal belief.
importance of Church membership
- It signifies spiritual maturity and personal commitment to faith, marking a significant milestone in one’s religious life
- It strengthens the individual’s connection to the church community, fostering a sense of belonging and shared identity
- It allows full participation in church life, including receiving communion regularly and taking part in other sacraments
- It often grants the right to be a godparent or sponsor for others, passing on the faith to future generations
- It prepares individuals for potential leadership roles within the church, such as serving on parish councils or as catechists
- It deepens one’s understanding of church teachings and traditions, leading to a more informed and committed faith
- It provides opportunities for ongoing spiritual growth and formation within the church community
Which sacrament in the Orthodox Church is equivalent to Confirmation in Catholicism?
Chrismation
Why do some Christian denominations delay First Communion until later in life?
To ensure the individual can understand the significance
Which sacrament marks full membership in the Church in Catholic and Anglican traditions?
Confirmation
What is the Orthodox equivalent to the Catholic sacrament of Confirmation?
Chrismation
In Catholic tradition, who typically performs the Confirmation ceremony?
Bishop
7 gifts of the Holy Spirit
-wisdom
-understanding
-counsel
-fortitude
-knowledge
-piety
-fear of the Lord
what is chrism & its purpose
holy oil, seals gifts
verse to show Jesus saying to get baptised
“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” - Matthew 28:19 -20
define evangelise
tell others about Jesus & the Gospel with the aim of them being Christians
define infant baptism
A practice in which infants are baptised, often to welcome them into the Christian community and cleanse them from original sin
define adult baptism
The practice of baptising individuals who have made a conscious decision to follow Christ, often after a period of instruction.
define believer’s baptism
A form of baptism where individuals are baptised after declaring their faith in Jesus, commonly practiced in certain denominations.
define dedication
A ceremony in which parents present their child to God, often involving a commitment to raise the child in the Christian faith without formal baptism.
why do some denominations do infant baptism & others do Believer’s baptism
-Catholics & orthodox & some Protestant do infant as a way to welcome the child into their faith community from birth with godparents & the wider church supporting their spiritual growth
-Baptist do believer’s baptism because they emphasize the importance of personal decision-making, where the individual publicly professes their faith & commitment to Christ, highlighting personal responsibility over communal initiation
verse to show why some do infant baptism
“But Jesus called the children to him and said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.” - Luke 18:15-16
-Jesus values children
verse to show Peter says to get baptized
“Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized” - Acts 2: 38