In the Catholic Church, the journey of faith is marked by three significant sacraments. Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist are known as the Sacraments of Initiation, and they form the foundation of a Catholic’s spiritual life.
Baptism: The Beginning of New Life in Christ
Baptism is the first Sacrament of Initiation and marks the beginning of a person’s spiritual life in the Catholic Church. Through Baptism, original sin is washed away, and the individual is reborn as a child of God, becoming a member of Christ’s Body, the Church. It signifies death to sin and the start of a new life in grace, united with Christ’s death and resurrection.
Confirmation: Strengthening in the Holy Spirit
While Baptism brings us into the family of God, Confirmation strengthens and deepens that relationship.
The rite of Confirmation involves the laying on of hands and anointing with sacred chrism, a special oil blessed by the bishop. These gestures symbolize the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, echoing the experience of the apostles at Pentecost when the Holy Spirit descended upon them. In much the same way, those who are confirmed are empowered to be witnesses to Christ, taking on a more active role in the Church.
The Eucharist: Nourishment for the Journey
The Eucharist, the third Sacrament of Initiation, is the “source and summit” of the Christian life, according to the Church. In this sacrament, Catholics receive the Body and Blood of Christ under the appearances of bread and wine. This sacred meal is not just a symbolic act; it is the real presence of Jesus Christ, who comes to nourish the faithful spiritually and unite them more closely to Himself.
The Sacraments of Initiation—Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist—are deeply intertwined and lay the foundation for a lifelong faith journey within the Catholic Church. The Eucharist, which is available to us ongoingly, sustains us throughout our spiritual journey, nourishing our souls with the real presence of Christ and drawing us closer to Him. Together, these sacraments are essential milestones in the Catholic faith, guiding us toward deeper communion with God and His Church.