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Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist
are sometimes called the
Sacraments of Initiation.
are sometimes called the
Sacraments of Initiation.
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Baptism welcomes us into a family of people who believe in living as Jesus did.
This family is all around the world, welcoming others. In Baptism we acknowledge the gift of the Holy Spirit in each of us. It is a gift given to us from God that guides, supports, strengthens and forms us into people that are able to live joyful lives full of love. Confirmation asks us to consciously nurture the gifts we have and use them for others. We are asked to serve those around us and are guided in our actions by love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness and self-control. (The fruits of the Spirit Gal. 5:22-23) Eucharist or First Holy Communion is a regular event that nourishes us to continue our personal growth and live in community. It is a time of gathering with others and acknowledging that none of us is perfect, but we are perfectly created. It is a time when we acknowledge the sacrifice that Jesus gave his life for us, while at the same time we gather around a table, like the first apostles, and commit our lives to Jesus. |
Reconciliation and Anointing of the Sick and Sacraments of Healing.
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Reconciliation or Penance is a Sacrament which we can participate in regularly.
In Reconciliation we recognise that God loves us so much, Te Atua wants us to live a life free from the things that hurt ourselves and others, and that break our relationships down. God wants us to live a life full of loving, healthy, merciful and supportive relationships. Through Reconciliation God wants to help us become the best people we can be and to use the gifts we have been given to make our world a wonderful place to be. God wants you to know you are never alone and that with a relationship with Te Atua you can find peace. You are more than your last mistake! Anointing of the Sick: This sacrament is for people who are not well, and is a healing Sacrament ministered by a priest. It enables people to tune into the gifts of the Holy Spirit that bring peace and courage to help deal with the challenges of serious illness, and the difficulties of growing older. People are able to receive this Sacrament more than once. |
Vocation Sacraments celebrate love and are Holy Orders and Marriage.
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Holy Orders:
It a Sacrament available for people who want to respond to God's call by dedicating themselves to the life of priesthood. The Sacrament of Marriage: This Sacrament graces the commitment of marriage as a response to God's call to join in a union of faithful and mutual love and respect. |
The Sacraments remind us that we are a worldwide church.
We all believe in God the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, and we choose to live like Jesus Christ by putting God’s Word
into practice.
Sacraments bring us closer to God.
We all believe in God the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, and we choose to live like Jesus Christ by putting God’s Word
into practice.
Sacraments bring us closer to God.
You have chosen to take this step of your journey.
Participating in this journey shows
God has called you personally,
God has called you by name,
because you are loved.
God wants you to have a full life.
How does this make you feel?
Participating in this journey shows
God has called you personally,
God has called you by name,
because you are loved.
God wants you to have a full life.
How does this make you feel?
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“I have come so that you may have life and have it to the full”
John 10:10
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When we choose to get Baptised,
we are choosing to live a life that is like Christ.
When our parents choose to Baptise us they are wanting to support us to live a life like Christ.
God loves you, God created you, to be who you are.
God created you in God’s image
we are choosing to live a life that is like Christ.
When our parents choose to Baptise us they are wanting to support us to live a life like Christ.
God loves you, God created you, to be who you are.
God created you in God’s image
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‘I have called you by name,
you are mine.’
Isaiah 43:1
Baptism is like a new beginning,
a change of direction.
a change of direction.
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During the sacrament ceremony the Church takes material things (water, oil, bread, wine) and uses human actions (washing, anointing, blessing, eating, drinking) to communicate God’s deep presence - God's Love.
Through Te Wairua Tapu/The Holy Spirit these material things and human actions become outward, visible signs of God's inward, invisible Grace. |
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Discuss some things that represent new beginnings for you:
daffodils, new year's resolutions, spring, birth, seedlings, contacts, blossoms, ducklings
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Below are some symbols the
Church uses in Baptism:
Church uses in Baptism:
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Perfumed oil – called chrism
We are blessed with oil at Baptism. We call this blessing anointing. This means to pour or rub oil or ointment on people to strengthen and protect them, as a sign of God’s grace. Traditionally priests, prophets and kings were anointed as a sign of their special roles and to make them strong. We are anointed for the same reasons - to recognise how wonderful it is to be in God's family and to be strong followers of Jesus. |
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Water – Holy water which has been blessed
In everyday life water is life giving, and in Baptism it symbolises God giving life to us. It symbolises washing away our sins, making us holy and giving us a new life. It unites us with the Trinity, as we are blessed in the name of the Father and the Son and of the Holy Spirit. |
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Lighted Candle – a symbol of Jesus
Jesus said “I am the light of the world” It reminds us to keep the light of faith burning, to carry the light of Christ in our hearts and to be God’s light in this world. |
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White Garment – a sign of a newly baptized person
The white cloth represents an outward sign of Christian dignity, joy and happiness.“For all of you who were baptised into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ” Galatians 3:27 |
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Signs and symbols are part of the Catholic language and so is prayer.
Prayer:
Spend time praying the Our Father every morning and every night this week. After you have done this take some time to talk to God in prayer, and then just listen for a response …
Prayer is another way we can spend time with God. Because God loves us so much God wants to spend as much time as possible with us. We can talk to God about anything; what we need, what we are sad about, what we are grateful for or times when we are having troubles or problems.
Spend time praying the Our Father every morning and every night this week. After you have done this take some time to talk to God in prayer, and then just listen for a response …
Prayer is another way we can spend time with God. Because God loves us so much God wants to spend as much time as possible with us. We can talk to God about anything; what we need, what we are sad about, what we are grateful for or times when we are having troubles or problems.
God of Life,
We thank you for this time of exploring.
We pray that you will bless us as we grow in our understanding of your gift of faith.
As we reflect on baptism may our relationship with you as Father Son and Holy Spirit grow deeper.
Amen
We thank you for this time of exploring.
We pray that you will bless us as we grow in our understanding of your gift of faith.
As we reflect on baptism may our relationship with you as Father Son and Holy Spirit grow deeper.
Amen
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Invitation:
Think about how you felt when you were invited to a party
- nervous, excited, pleased, valued, relieved, anxious
Did you go?
If yes - did you have a good time?
If no - did you feel you missed out on something?
Think about how you felt when you were invited to a party
- nervous, excited, pleased, valued, relieved, anxious
Did you go?
If yes - did you have a good time?
If no - did you feel you missed out on something?
Baptism is God inviting you to something more ...
what do you want to do?
what do you want to do?
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How Baptism Began:
A reading from the Gospel of Matthew 3:13;16
'Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptised by John. As soon as Jesus was baptised he came up from the water and suddenly heaven opened and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming down upon him. And a voice spoke from heaven, ‘This is my Son, the Beloved. My favour rests on him.’
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Jesus Himself was baptised.
John had been baptising people as a sign that they were choosing to change their lives, but in Jesus this became a Sacrament of Baptism in which people turned their lives to Christ. |
Jesus told the apostles Matthew 28:19
‘Go out to all nations. Baptise them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit…’
Baptism is turning towards God, it is turning away from sin to follow Jesus’ commandment to live a life of generosity and love.
People become Christians by a process of conversion,
which means ‘turning around’.
Baptism happens on one special occasion
but becomes a way to live our whole life.
We can turn towards Jesus EVERY DAY as we live out our Baptism.
The Sacraments of Initiation are an ongoing invitation
into this life long process of conversion.
People become Christians by a process of conversion,
which means ‘turning around’.
Baptism happens on one special occasion
but becomes a way to live our whole life.
We can turn towards Jesus EVERY DAY as we live out our Baptism.
The Sacraments of Initiation are an ongoing invitation
into this life long process of conversion.
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To show that we are committed to this new way of living we are asked to make promises when we are Baptised
but God also makes promises to us.
This is the promise that God makes to us:
but God also makes promises to us.
This is the promise that God makes to us:
"I will never forget you, I will never leave you lonely, I will hold you in the palm of my hand and I will always love you. Jesus is your brother and friend, and our Holy Spirit will be with your forever, in you, around you everywhere, all day everyday. All you need do is be open to my love."
(Taken from various passages of the Holy Bible.)
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Here are the promises we make when we are Baptised:
I promise to reject Satan and all his works and empty promises.
I promise to believe in God, the Father who made everything, including me, and who loves me.
I promise to believe in Jesus Christ the Son of God, who was born of Mary, who died on the cross, rose from the dead and who ascended to heaven.
I promise to believe in the Holy Spirit, the Church, the Saints, God's forgiveness, the promise of resurrection and everlasting life.
(The above is a slightly shorter version than used in Church.)
I promise to reject Satan and all his works and empty promises.
I promise to believe in God, the Father who made everything, including me, and who loves me.
I promise to believe in Jesus Christ the Son of God, who was born of Mary, who died on the cross, rose from the dead and who ascended to heaven.
I promise to believe in the Holy Spirit, the Church, the Saints, God's forgiveness, the promise of resurrection and everlasting life.
(The above is a slightly shorter version than used in Church.)
Holy Trinity:
In the Catholic Tradition
we believe that God is 3 in 1.
Creator, Son, Spirit - One God - Three persons.
It's a mystery, we don't fully understand it,
but we do believe it.
In the Catholic Tradition
we believe that God is 3 in 1.
Creator, Son, Spirit - One God - Three persons.
It's a mystery, we don't fully understand it,
but we do believe it.
We have an ancient prayer called the Nicene Creed which outlines our beliefs and the presence of the Trinity.
Take time everyday this week
to read this prayer.
Take some moments to bring to mind those parts
that relate to Jesus, God the Son.
Take some moments to bring to mind those parts
that relate to God the Holy Spirit.
Take some moments to bring to mind those parts
that relate to God the Father/Creator.
Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful.
And kindle in them the fire of your love.
Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created.
And you will renew the face of the earth.
Lord,
by the light of the Holy Spirit
you have taught the hearts of your faithful.
In the same Spirit
help us to relish what is right
and always rejoice in your comfort.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
And kindle in them the fire of your love.
Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created.
And you will renew the face of the earth.
Lord,
by the light of the Holy Spirit
you have taught the hearts of your faithful.
In the same Spirit
help us to relish what is right
and always rejoice in your comfort.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
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This week spend time in daily prayer, begin with the prayer above and then talk to God about what it is you need to be doing in your life to live out your unique call to mission.
Remember that being Catholic is often counter-cultural, it means living a life for others with God at the centre, rather than a life for me with me at the centre. |
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Perfumed oil – called chrism
In earlier times we sealed precious and important things to protect them. To preserve something is to show that we love and care for it. In confirmation we are sealed in faith and love. The oil used symbolises soothing, and healing, strength and safe keeping. This anointing shows that you are special and that you have a special purpose. |
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Laying on of Hands
The laying on of hands is a powerful yet everyday event. Through touch we welcome, say goodbye, show love, comfort and forgive. Jesus often laid his hands on others, giving them power and strength. He laid his hands on children and blessed them. Laying on of hands shows someone is precious and loved. In the celebration of most sacraments, there is a laying on of hands through which God makes us God’s own and transforms us by the power of love. |
This next step in your journey is another formal step into the Catholic Community. This Sacrament of Confirmation invites you into a deeper way of relating to God, to Jesus and to one another.
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We are called to live and make the world a more peaceful and just place, we are called to reach out to others, welcome others and offer encouragement and support. Jesus taught his followers that the most important things were to:
‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart, and all your soul and all your mind … and love others as you love yourself.’
(Matt 22:34)
PENTECOST:
Jesus promised his disciples that the Spirit would come to them, lead them and guide them in continuing to carry out his mission to the world.
Jesus promised his disciples that the Spirit would come to them, lead them and guide them in continuing to carry out his mission to the world.
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Jesus said ‘The spirit will teach you everything and remind you of what I said when I was with you..’
(John 14:25-26)
The Holy Spirit inspires each one of us to live good lives,
to be kind and generous, to act with justice and respect towards all people, and to love one another as Jesus loves us.
to be kind and generous, to act with justice and respect towards all people, and to love one another as Jesus loves us.
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St Paul urged the Christian communities of his time to live as
Spirit-filled people and he said that others would follow his example if they saw the fruits of the Spirit in the way they lived their lives.
St Paul described these fruits of the Spirit when he told the people that God’s Spiritmakes us loving, kind, generous, gentle, peaceful, kind, forgiving and self-controlled. So when we act with kindness, love, gentleness, patience and forgiveness, we are living as
Spirit – filled people.
Spirit-filled people and he said that others would follow his example if they saw the fruits of the Spirit in the way they lived their lives.
St Paul described these fruits of the Spirit when he told the people that God’s Spiritmakes us loving, kind, generous, gentle, peaceful, kind, forgiving and self-controlled. So when we act with kindness, love, gentleness, patience and forgiveness, we are living as
Spirit – filled people.
Saint Paul lists nine of these fruits in his Letter to the Church in Galatians can you find them in Galatians 5:22-23?
See if you can find the one referred to as the greatest fruit of the Holy Spirit.
1 Corinthians 13:1-8.
See if you can find the one referred to as the greatest fruit of the Holy Spirit.
1 Corinthians 13:1-8.
Pope Francis said
'To be Saints is not a privilege for the few, but a vocation for everyone.'
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To live as a Saint, means to put God at the centre of everything, to listen to God and to live in service of others. This seems like a huge challenge, and it is a life long journey!!! However we are not expected to do this on our own. We have the guidance of the Spirit and the support of our Church family in our parish, diocese and all over the world. Just imagine for a moment if everyone in this family committed daily to living a life of love ....what a place this would be?
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Baptism is turning towards God, turning away from sin, so we can follow Jesus’ commandment to live a life of generosity and love.
People become Christians by a process of conversion, which means ‘turning around’. We are called to turn towards Jesus EVERY DAY of our lives as we continue to live out our Baptism. It is through the Sacrament of Confirmation we take up the promises made at our baptism knowing for certain that the Holy Spirit is with us to give us strength and to guide us on our journey.
People become Christians by a process of conversion, which means ‘turning around’. We are called to turn towards Jesus EVERY DAY of our lives as we continue to live out our Baptism. It is through the Sacrament of Confirmation we take up the promises made at our baptism knowing for certain that the Holy Spirit is with us to give us strength and to guide us on our journey.
To help us live this radical new way of life Jesus gives us guidance in both his actions and his words:
"I give you a new commandment: love one another. As I have loved you, so you also should love one
another. This is how all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another."
(John 13:34-35)
"The Eucharist although it is the fullness of sacramental life, is not a prize for the perfect but a powerful medicine and nourishment for the weak."
Pope Francis
Eucharist is so much more than you physically being in a Church,
It is about receiving, and being, the Body of Christ.
Eucharist is special because God brings salvation, forgiveness, compassion, love, mercy, and God’s very self to you.
God does all the work.
You however have a huge role to play!
You need to be open to what God is doing.
That’s why we call it “receiving” First Communion—not “accomplishing,” “earning,” “performing,” or “achieving”
First Communion.
It is about receiving, and being, the Body of Christ.
Eucharist is special because God brings salvation, forgiveness, compassion, love, mercy, and God’s very self to you.
God does all the work.
You however have a huge role to play!
You need to be open to what God is doing.
That’s why we call it “receiving” First Communion—not “accomplishing,” “earning,” “performing,” or “achieving”
First Communion.
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This next step in your journey is another formal step of initiation into the Catholic Community.
This Sacrament of Eucharist strengthens and nourishes us to live out the mission that Jesus gives us.
This Sacrament of Eucharist strengthens and nourishes us to live out the mission that Jesus gives us.
When you receive communion,
when we eat the bread that is Jesus,
He becomes part of us;
his body is now part of our body.
when we eat the bread that is Jesus,
He becomes part of us;
his body is now part of our body.
Eucharist means 'thanks giving'
We are thankful to Jesus for what he has done and does for us.
We are thankful for how God feeds us, through Eucharist and the community gathered at Mass.
Take 3 minutes and list all the things you are thankful in your life.
Thank God for these things,
for the gifts in life and the gift of life.
We are thankful to Jesus for what he has done and does for us.
We are thankful for how God feeds us, through Eucharist and the community gathered at Mass.
Take 3 minutes and list all the things you are thankful in your life.
Thank God for these things,
for the gifts in life and the gift of life.
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When celebrate the Eucharist we are doing what Jesus asked of his disciples at the Last Supper. In doing this we become aware of the presence of Jesus among us.
The Last Supper (Luke 22: 7-20)
Then came the day of Unleavened Bread on which the Passover lamb had to be sacrificed. Jesus sent Peter and John, saying, “Go and make preparations for us to eat the Passover.”
“Where do you want us to prepare for it?” they asked.
He replied, “As you enter the city, a man carrying a jar of water will meet you. Follow him to the house that he enters, and say to the owner of the house, ‘The Teacher asks: Whereis the guest room, where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?’ He will show you a large room upstairs, all furnished. Make preparations there.” They left and found things just as Jesus had told them. So they prepared the Passover.
Then came the day of Unleavened Bread on which the Passover lamb had to be sacrificed. Jesus sent Peter and John, saying, “Go and make preparations for us to eat the Passover.”
“Where do you want us to prepare for it?” they asked.
He replied, “As you enter the city, a man carrying a jar of water will meet you. Follow him to the house that he enters, and say to the owner of the house, ‘The Teacher asks: Whereis the guest room, where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?’ He will show you a large room upstairs, all furnished. Make preparations there.” They left and found things just as Jesus had told them. So they prepared the Passover.
When the hour came, Jesus and his apostles reclined at the table. And he said to them, “I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer. For I tell you, I will not eat it again until it finds fulfillment in the kingdom of God.”
After taking the cup, he gave thanks and said, “Take this and divide it among you. For I tell you I will not drink again from the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.”
And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.”
In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.”
After taking the cup, he gave thanks and said, “Take this and divide it among you. For I tell you I will not drink again from the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.”
And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.”
In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.”
God present in 4 ways
When Catholic’s gather to celebrate Eucharist at Mass,
we are reminded that Jesus is always here,
that God is always working in our lives.
We meet Christ in 4 ways during Mass. Being aware of this helps us to become more like Jesus and gain a deeper understanding of Eucharist and of the Church as family.
we are reminded that Jesus is always here,
that God is always working in our lives.
We meet Christ in 4 ways during Mass. Being aware of this helps us to become more like Jesus and gain a deeper understanding of Eucharist and of the Church as family.
LISTENING
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Our lives are very noisy.
Everyday we have different messages thrown at us
from many directions. We hear, friends, TV, family, teachers, advertising, social media and so many more.
These messages have the potential to change your life
and how you view your place in this world.
Sometimes amongst all this ‘noise’
it is hard to hear the life giving messages.
Everyday we have different messages thrown at us
from many directions. We hear, friends, TV, family, teachers, advertising, social media and so many more.
These messages have the potential to change your life
and how you view your place in this world.
Sometimes amongst all this ‘noise’
it is hard to hear the life giving messages.
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The Eucharist strengthens us to tune into them.
Create a list of all the voices, messages or influences that you hear during your day .....
Create a list of all the voices, messages or influences that you hear during your day .....
How many of these messages are from God?
How many of them are life giving?
During the Mass we are called to ‘tune’ into
the many ‘life giving messages’ present.
They may come from the people we celebrate with,
the word of God read to us, from the priest, or from receiving Holy Communion.
How many of them are life giving?
During the Mass we are called to ‘tune’ into
the many ‘life giving messages’ present.
They may come from the people we celebrate with,
the word of God read to us, from the priest, or from receiving Holy Communion.
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By sharing in his Body and Blood,
we become more deeply united with Christ.
We become God's presence in the world.
We become the hands and the feet,
the eyes, the ears and the heart of Jesus.
By choosing to be Catholic we agree to
continuing the work Jesus begun here on earth.
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At the end of the Eucharist the priest says to the people:
“Go in peace to love and serve the Lord.”
The Mass is not over!
We take it out into the world!
“Go in peace to love and serve the Lord.”
The Mass is not over!
We take it out into the world!
List different ways people can go into the world
to share aroha with others, and continue the mission of the Church.
Choose one to or two to do this week.
to share aroha with others, and continue the mission of the Church.
Choose one to or two to do this week.
Click the above link to download the Reconciliation Resource Material
Reconciliation-Hohourongo
God loves you so much. Te Atua wants you to live a life free from the things that hurt ourselves and others, and that break our relationships down. God wants you to live a life full of loving, healthy, merciful and supportive relationships. This Sacrament is about FORGIVENESS and it won’t make sense until you understand that you are part of a worldwide community and you share a common goal.
4 parts to this Sacrament:
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The first two are human responses:
1. Choices: Community and relationships, through choices, can be built up or be pulled down. 2. Saying Sorry: This is a way of life that has to be learned and continually relearned. It is vital to mean the words when you say them. For reconciliation to really be effective you need to understand that forgiveness is not a ‘churchy’ thing it is a life skill. Forgiveness in our lives allows Jesus to make our lives richer and better. Real forgiveness is sometimes really hard to achieve! The next part is where God/Jesus steps in: |
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3. Forgiveness:
This is allowing God to use healing power to absolve us or forgive us. It is allowing God to change us like in the story of Zaccheus.
This is allowing God to use healing power to absolve us or forgive us. It is allowing God to change us like in the story of Zaccheus.
The last part is again up to us:
4: Penance:
Often when we break relationships there is a consequence or a price to pay. Penance is about acting to change your behaviour or your attitude, getting help and prayer.
Te Atua wants to help you become the best person you can be and to use the gifts you have been given to make our world a wonderful place to be.
God wants you to know you are never alone and that with a relationship with Te Atua you can find peace.