|
Christian Initiation
Christ Initiation is the process of becoming a Christian. This process takes time. It should not be rushed because making the commitment to follow Christ is an important and life-changing decision. The paradigm for Christian Initiation is the initiation of an adult who can say "I believe" on their own. This paradigm is extended to children over the age of reason, (older than 7 years of age). This is proportionate to their age. Children of catechetical age need to be able to receive and nurture an individual faith and have their parent's or guardian's consent. Younger children and infants are baptised and later receive the sacraments of Confirmation and Holy Eucharist. The Catechumenate Christian Initiation for adults begins with entry into the Catechumentate. This is when they become a member of the household of Christ and join the Church. From this time onward they are Catholics who are preparing for Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Eucharist. They will normally receive these sacraments of Christian Initiation at the Easter Vigil or during the Easter Period (Easter Sunday to Pentecost Sunday). Baptism incorporates us into Christ and forms us within God's people. It is the sacrament of entry into the Church and brings us the dignity of being one of God's children. Confirmation is the sealing of the Holy Spirit within us so that we may bear witness to all the world that we belong to Christ and are men and women of Gospel peace, justice, mercy and love. Holy Eucharist is our admission to the Table of the Lord (mensa Domini), the sacrament of participation in the life of Christ and the life of the Church. This sacrament is repeated each time we attend the Sacred Liturgy and receive Holy Communion. By offering ourselves with Christ we share in the universal community of faith and participate in God's holy work of redemption. These three sacraments unite us in faith and mission; we are called to be Christ in the world. Various people accompany us on the journey of Christian Initiation: the Assembly of Believers, the Priest, the Sponsor, the Godparents, friends and in the case of children, other children preparing for initiation. If you have any questions regarding Initiation or you would like to talk with someone about becoming a Christian or a Catholic please be in touch. Call us on 063583667. |