Sacraments
Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist
The Sacraments of Initiation are the foundations of Christian life. The faithful are born anew by Baptism, are strengthened by Confirmation, and nourished by the Eucharist. For information on these three sacraments as part of the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, see Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA)
Baptism
The first of the seven sacraments, and the “door” which gives access to the other sacraments. Baptism is the first and chief sacrament of forgiveness of sins because it unites us with Christ, who died for our sins and rose for our justification. Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist constitute the “sacraments of initiation” by which a believer receives the remission of original and personal sin, begins a new life in Christ and the Holy Spirit, and is incorporated into the Church, the body of Christ. The rite of Baptism consists in immersing the candidate in water or pouring water on the head while pronouncing the invocation of the Holy Trinity: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. The sacrament of Baptism may not be conferred more than once. For information on the validity of Baptism in other churches, contact the Office of Worship.
Confirmation
Confirmation celebrates the Spirit of God in the Church. One of the ensemble of the Sacraments of Initiation into the Church, together with Baptism and Eucharist. Confirmation completes the grace of Baptism by a special outpouring of the gifts of the Holy Spirit, which seal or “confirm” the baptized in union with Christ and equip them for active participation in the worship and apostolic life of the Church. In the Diocese of Richmond, this sacrament is currently conferred in 11th grade. Outside of the RCIA, the bishop is the normal minister; he may delegate this privilege to pastors. CDR Confirmation FAQ's
Eucharist
Eucharist is the preeminent sacrament from which all others have meaning, the source and summit of all Christian life even more so than Baptism, it is the high point of Initiation. The Sunday celebration of the Eucharist is at the heart of the Church’s life. It is the ritual, sacramental action of thanksgiving to God which constitutes the principal Christian liturgical celebration of and communion in the paschal mystery of Christ. The liturgical action called the Eucharist is also traditionally known as the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. The Eucharist completes Christian initiation and is a repeatable sacrament. For more information on the Celebration of the Eucharist, see The Mass.
