Hindu Catholic Dialogue Commemorative Brochure 20150523

Author(s): United States Conference of Catholic Bishops
Publisher: United States Conference of Catholic Bishops

Page 34

Confirmation - another initiation sacrament that seals with holy oil the commitment first made in baptism, often celebrated in the teen years;
Eucharist - the final initiation sacrament in which the believer joins his or her fellow Catholic Christians in the ritual meal during which the Body and Blood of Christ are consumed;
Matrimony - a vocational sacrament in which one man and one woman consent freely to live in an indissoluble union as man and wife, accepting children as a gift of God, supporting one another's spiritual and material well-being.
Holy Orders - Vocational sacrament in which a single man promises to live a celibate life in service to the Church as a priest, or when a married man vows to live a life of ordained service to the Church as a deacon, or when a priest is given special leadership responsibilities as a bishop;
Reconciliation - sacrament of healing in which a person confesses his or her sins to a priest, promises to turn away from such sins in the future and offers particular prayers or acts of service as a penance;
Anointing of the Sick - healing sacrament in which a person who is ill is anointed by a priest or bishop with specially blessed oil while prayers for his or her physical well-being are offered.
F. LIFE CYCLE
F1. What are the 3-4 main life cycle events and what are the rituals associated with them? What do they signify? In Catholic practice, life cycle events are typically celebrated with appropriate sacraments. Soon after a child is born, he or she is baptized. The essential ritual of baptism, which is the first sacrament of initiation” involves pouring water over the head of the child (immersion is also used) three times while speaking the words: I baptize you, N , in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Later, at the "age of reason," approximately at age 7 or 8, the child receives First Holy Communion, usually with a group of classmates. Children are prepared for this sacramental experience with a period of training corresponding to their mental abilities called "catechesis". After receiving First Holy Communion, the child may receive communion at any future Eucharist, on a par with adult faithful. Confirmation is a third sacrament of initiation” into the Christian life that is most often celebrated at age 14. Through the gift of the Holy Spirit, the young Christian is strengthened in the faith, which is to be brought to maturity by further study, service of others, and prayer. The rite consists of
32
HINDU - CATHOLIC DIALOGUE