International Catholic University
I. Infant Baptism? CCC 1250-52
A. 16th cent. Anabaptists dissent: three reasons
1. Menno Simons, founder of Mennonites, called infant baptism "the highest and chief abomination of the Pope."(1)
2. Reacting against Christendom idea: church as coterminous with society instead of the little flock. Merely cultural Christianity.
3. Stricter Sola Scriptura: not explicitly commanded in Scripture!
4. The new individualism of the modern (Renaissance) world: if the individual is incapable of an act of faith, can't be baptized.
B. NT Evidence for infant baptism: probable, but inconclusive
1. household baptisms of Lydia & jailer, Acts 16:15 & 33
2. Lk 18:15; Mat 19:14 "Let the little children." 3 stages of gospel trad. Putting these texts together with Jn 3:5 seems to imply that children of Christians ought to be baptized.
3. Are not children in need of salvation? Can Christ not save them?
4. Col 2:11-12 Baptism replaces circumcision, which was done to kids. "You were also circumcised in him, not with the circumcision administered by hand but with Christ's circumcision which strips off the carnal body completely. In baptism you were not only buried with him but also raised to life with him" (NAB). This clinched it for John Calvin.
5. Lk 5:20 Jesus forgive paralyzed man because of the faith of his friends: "Seeing their faith, He said, 'My friend, your sins are forgiven you.'" Cf. Mat 9:2 "When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic. . ."
C. Early Tradition unanimous
1. Hippolytus, Apostolic Tradition 21 (ca. 215 AD): "The children are to be baptized first. All of them who can, are to give answer for themselves. If they cannot, let their parents or someone in the family answer for them."
2. Origen, Comm. on Romans 5, 9 (ca. 230 AD) "the Church received from the apostles the tradition of giving baptism also to infants."
3. Creed: "we believe in one baptism." Cannot be repeated. Patristic church accepted the baptism of Heretics & schismatics.
D. Sheer gratuitousness of the grace of salvation
1. is "particularly manifested in infant Baptism." CCC 1250.
2. This, along with the understanding of faith as communal as well as individual, is the theological significance of the practice
E. Must be "founded hope" that child will be raised Catholic (CIC 868)
1. Cf. E. Peter's article W60-63. Baptism can be delayed, not refused.
2. Pre-baptismal prep for parents; requirement of godparents
3. post-baptismal catechesis necessary for flowering of baptismal grace
II. Flowing from Baptism
A. Sacramental Blessings with Holy Water: reminder and renewal of baptism
1. Entrance to Church building: our entry into the Church is through baptism. Note how in Ex 40:32 how the priests washed themselves whenever going into the meeting tent or approaching the altar.
2. Asperges rite in the Eucharist: washing, forgiveness
3. Use in exorcism: evil destroyed, conquered by water of baptism. Use in house blessing for the same reason.
4. Save baptismal water if possible to use in annual renewal of promises on baptismal anniversary and Easter.
B. Sacramental blessings using the sign of the Cross: sphragis (Gal 6:17)
1. Paschal mystery (cross) and the Trinity (3-fold baptismal profession
2. Original sign: trace on forehead. Gradually expanded (breastplate) in both East & West. Byzantine finger symbolism for Trinity & 2 natures of Christ
3. Hippolytus (215 AD), AT 37, 1-2: "And when tempted, always reverently seal thy forehead with the sign of the Cross. For this sign of the Passion is displayed and made manifest against the devil if thou makest it in faith, not in order that thou mayest be seen of men, but by thy knowledge putting it forward as a shield. If indeed the adversary seeing the power of the Spirit outwardly displayed in the image of baptism he takes to flight trembling." (Dix transl)
4. Cyril of Jerusalem (360 AD) Cat. 33: "Make this sign when you eat and when you drink, when you sit down, when you go to bed, when you get up, when you speak, --in a word, on all occasions." Recalls Dt 6:4-8.
C. Preparation for & follow-up to Baptism
1. Adult: RCIA. Catechesis, prayer, penance necessary prior to baptism. In early church, often lasted 3 years.
2. Infant: at least one parent must undergo prep. Child catechized later. Custom of taking the name of a saint: intercessor and model.
3. Sponsors or Godparents (these are optional)
a. must be fully initiated, practicing Catholics. One non-Catholic Christian can serve, but is called "witness." CIC 874.
b. an ecclesiastical office. CCC 1255.
c. intercession. Baptismal birthday, Christmas gifts.
d. Plenary indulgence for renewing baptismal vows on anniversary or at Easter Vigil (along with other conditions for plenary indulgence: confession, communion, prayer for intention of pope, renunciation of all sin)
4. Every sign of cross, use of Holy Water, every Eucharist, baptismal renewal
III. Confirmation/Chrismation
A. Biblical and Historical Basis
1. Biblical (see separate sheet W 58)
a. Christ's anointing with Holy Spirit coming up after baptism in fulfillment of Is 61:1, anointing for battle & mission
b. Acts 10:38 "I take it you know what has been reported all over Judea about Jesus of Nazareth, beginning in Galilee with the baptism John Preached, of the way God anointed him with the Holy Spirit and power. He went about doing good and healing."
c. Acts 8:14-17 and 19:5-7; Heb 6:1-2
2. Historical (see separate sheet)
a. Jewish custom of proselyte baptism and then "seal" of circumcision
b. Secular Mediterranean custom of anointing (rubdown) after bath
B. Difference between East & West: same pastoral problem, different solutions
1. East: "chrismation" emphasis on anointing rather than imposition of hands; ordinary minister priest
2. West: ordinary minister bishop, separation from baptism & time lag
3. Eastern practice preserves integrity of initiation; West preserves connection with fullness of apostolic ministry CCC 1292
C. Why do we need confirmation? Commissioning to worship, warfare, mission
1. Fuller measure of the Holy Spirit for the sake of . . .
a. Completion, ratification of baptismal grace, fullness of the Holy Spirit CCC 1302. By confirmation, the faithful are "enriched by the gift of the HS and bound more perfectly to the Church" CIC 879
b. Emphasis on baptism is the gift of the Holy Spirit for salvation and personal sanctification. Emphasis on confirmation is gift of Holy Spirit for service to God in worship and to others in mission.
c. Strengthening: 7 gifts of the Spirit Is. 11:2-3 (CCC 1299). "Special strength of the Holy Spirit to spread and defend the faith by word and action as true witnesses of Christ, to confess the name of Christ boldly" CCC 1303.
d. More than one in-filling with the Spirit: balloon imagery.
2. Priesthood:
a. Baptism & Confirmation form the basis of the common priesthood of church members. LG 11
b. "In baptism the sign of the cross makes kings of all who are reborn in Christ, and the anointing of the Holy Spirit consecrates them priests. So, apart from the particular obligations of our ministry, any Christian who has the gifts of rational and of spiritual understanding knows he is a member of a kingly race and shares in the priestly office. For what could be more royal than a soul which by subjecting itself to God becomes ruler of its own body? Or what more priestly when it consecrates a pure conscience to God and offers on the altar of its heart the spotless sacrifice of its devotion?" St. Leo the Great (d. 461), Sermon 4.
c. "For besides intimately linking them to His life and His mission, He also gives them a sharing in His priestly function of offering spiritual worship for the glory of God and the salvation of men. For this reason the laity, dedicated to Christ and anointed by the Holy Spirit, are marvelously called and wonderfully prepared so that ever more abundant fruits of the Spirit may be produced in them. For all their works, prayers and apostolic endeavors, their ordinary married and family life, their daily occupations, their physical and mental relaxation, if carried out in the Spirit, and even the hardships of life, if patiently borne-all these become 'spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ'. Together with the offering of the Lord's body, they are most fittingly offered in the celebration of the Eucharist. Thus, as those everywhere who adore in holy activity, the laity consecrate the world itself to God." LG 34
3. Participation in the Church's Mission
a. LG 11 through confirmation one is "more strictly obliged, as true witnesses of Christ, to spread & defend the faith by word & by deed." CCC 1285 Great Commission, Mat 28:19
b. Through confirmation, the faithful are "bound more perfectly to the Church" CCC 1285, CIC 879 The Church is essentially missionary-until one participates in the apostolate, one is not joined fully to the Church. So confirmation entails a more complete incorporation into the Church.
c. Sent by bishop, successor of apostles, commissions to the apostolate. He is the living link of the local Church to the Church's apostolic foundation and mission. This is why even when he does not personally confirm, the minister must use chrism consecrated by a bishop. LG 33: "through baptism and confirmation, all are appointed to this apostolate."
d. "The participation of the lay faithful in the threefold mission of Christ as priest, prophet and pastor finds its source in the anointing of baptism, its further development in confirmation, and its realisation [sic] and dynamic sustenance in the holy Eucharist." JP II, Christifideles Laici 14, cited in CF 1448.
4. Spiritual warfare
a. Christ's baptism followed by temptation & public ministry
b. anoint breast in Byzantine liturgy: armor of salvation Eph 6
c. St. Bonaventure (d. 1274) called it the "sacrament of warriors"
D. Symbolism of Chrism [Myron], perfumed oil (CCC 1293)
1. OT Background: Ex 30:22-33 The anointing oil to anoint the sacred vessels and the priests. Fragrant. Cannot be used on a layman. Background for the sacred chrism used in baptism and confirmation.
a. Shows the priestly, sacred character of the baptized (also share in kingly & prophetic anointings). Cf. Peter Chrysologus, W 57.
b. 1 Pet 1:5 "and like living stones be yourselves built into a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ." (RSV)
c. Until recently in the western church, confirmation had to be administered before first communion since only priests may enter the sanctuary.
2. Bishop must consecrate: (both East & West) (CIC 880)
a. symbolizes communion with fullness of apostolic ministry & origins of Church
b. Communion with the local bishop was a criterion for full membership in the early church as can be seen from the letter of St. Ignatius of Antioch (ca. 115 AD)
3. Fragrant: Consecrates one to evangelize, CCC 1294 citing 2 Cor 2:14-15 "diffuse the fragrance of his knowledge everywhere."
4. Athlete anointed with oil before athletic contest: limbers, strengthens.
5. Oil of Gladness: symbolizes the Spirit, who is the Anointing. Is 61:1; Ps 133
6. Seal: CCC 1295-6.
a. Jn. 6: 27 "For on him [Jesus] has God the Father set his seal." Here, the emphasis is upon Christ's authority.
b. Mark of ownership, total belonging to Christ, our enrollment in his service, promise of divine protection, soldier.
c. Indelible (like a brand mark) & unrepeatable. Character.
E. Who can be confirmed? Must be baptized & should be in the state of grace.
1. in East, infants. Normally conferred with baptism.
2. in Latin church (CIC 889) age of reason (7 yrs), except in case of danger of death. Normally must be able to renew baptismal promises. Current American policy for age will soon be standardized.
F. Preparation for Confirmation (post-age of reason) CCC 1309-1310
1. "should aim at leading the Christian toward a more intimate union with Christ and a more lively familiarity with the Holy Spirit -- his actions, his gifts, and his biddings -- in order to be more capable of assuming the apostolic responsibilities of Christian life." More experiential than simply cognitive.
2. Catechesis on 7 Gifts of Is. 11 & on charisms (Paul's letters). Cyril of Jerusalem: "prepare your souls for the reception of the heavenly charisms." FF, 18.
3. penance, more intense prayer. Docile yielding to Holy Spirit.
4. sponsor: best if it is baptismal sponsor CIC 893.
5. See Ed Peter's article "Preparing Children for the Sacraments", W 60a-63. Canon 889, #2 says suitably instructed. Temptation to stretch out preparation for as long as possible.
G. Minister and Venue of Confirmation
1. in early church, the bishop was the ordinary minister
2. now in East ordinarily the priest (Latin rite kids can be confirmed with permission of their Latin Rite ordinary)
3. in West ordinary minister is the bishop (except for adults converts, adult Christians entering into the full communion with the Church, anyone in danger of death). Priest can always do it validly if not licitly.
4. best venue is in Church, during Mass (CIC 881).
5. One must note the important link between confirmation/chrismation and the bishop, even when he does not personally officiate. The chrism which he blesses is a sign of fullness of communion with the apostolic church and commissioning by a successor of the apostles to a share in the apostolic mission and priestly worship of the church.
1. Cited in W. C. Placher, ed., Readings in the History of Christian Theology, vol 2 (Philadelphia: Westminster, 1988), 33.