Becoming Part of the Catholic Church: Baptism, First Holy Communion, and Confirmation

 Last Edited by: Jill Emerson

There are seven Sacraments of the Catholic Church which are essential for salvation and living the life that Christ intended us to live. Of these seven, there are three important Sacraments that initiate an individual and welcome him or her into the family of Christ – Baptism, Communion, and Confirmation. Baptism is the foundation of the Sacrament of initiation and frees one from original sin. Confirmation is the second Sacrament of initiation and is a ritual that signifies strengthening of one’s faith. Communion is the third and in this Catholics partake the Body and Blood of Christ to be a part of his sacrifice. These three Sacraments serve to confirm, strengthen, and increase one’s faith and closeness with the community of Christ.

Baptism

Derived from the Greek word, bapto or baptizo, baptism means to wash or immerse. The ritual of Baptism symbolizes the washing away of sins and cleansing the soul by immersing it in water. Baptism is an important Sacrament and being baptized is an important part of being initiated into the family of the Catholic Church. Water baptism is an act of obedience and represents forgiveness and unity with Christ and the Holy Trinity of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

• About Baptism: A comprehensive document with links leading to information on the etymology, definition, types, effects, and more intricate aspects of baptism.
• Baptism Ritual: A detailed description of the Old Catholic infant baptism ritual.
• Baptism and Godparents: How to choose godparents as well as the requirements of the Canon law.
• FAQs about Infant Baptism: A list of commonly asked questions on baptism of infants by the Catholic Church.
• Role of Godparents: A comprehensive article on the role of a godparent in Catholic baptisms.
• History of Baptism: A detailed article on the history and sacrament of baptism.
• Godparents and Sponsors: Information on the role and requirements for a godparent or sponsor.
• History and Rites of Baptism: Detailed information and historical summary of the sacrament of baptism, pastoral and catechetical principles, as well as policies and rites of baptism. 
• Catholic Baptism Service Sheet: The complete service sheet for a Catholic Baptism rite for children.
• Sacrament of Baptism: Information on the baptism ceremony, symbols and rituals, as well as effects of baptism.
• Reasons for Baptism: Learn about why the Catholic Church baptizes infants.

First Holy Communion

The First Holy Communion is a Catholic ceremony, which marks a child or adult’s first reception of the Sacrament of the Eucharist. It is an extremely important event in a Catholic family’s life and is marked with celebrations, family gatherings and festive parties as well as gift-giving and special white clothes. The white symbolizes purity and newness while gifts are mainly religious in nature. However, lately cash too has become the gift of choice for First Communions. Families hosting such a celebration often provide Communion favors to their guests to commemorate the special day. The First Communion generally takes place when a child is around 7 or 8 years of age.

• Rules for First Communion: Detailed document on the Quam Singulari Decree of First Communion. Includes rules that are to be observed for the First Communion of children.
• First Penance and Communion: A letter from the Vatican indicating the importance of children receiving the first penance before their First Communion.
• Liturgy of the Eucharist: The order of the Mass, including the order of the Communion Rite.
• First Communion Prayers: A simple prayer for a child’s first communion.
• Preparing for First Communion: Simple ideas on preparing a child for his/her First Communion.
• The Meaning of Holy Communion: A detailed document on the history and meaning of the Holy Communion.
• History and Effects of Holy Communion: A brief look at the biblical history and the current significance of the Holy Communion.
• Preparing for the First Communion: Questions that parents need to ask to determine a child’s readiness for the Holy Communion.
• Advice on First Holy Communion: An excerpt from a letter by Pope John Paul II to children addressing the importance of the First Holy Communion.
• Celebrating First Holy Communion: Information on the reasons behind celebrating the first communion.
• First Communion Books: A list of book recommendations for First Communicants.
• Significance of Holy Communion: Quotes on the benefits and significance of the Holy Communion.

Confirmation

Confirmation is the completion of the process of initiation into the family of Christ and is preceded by Baptism and the Holy Eucharist. It is one of the 7 Sacraments of Catholicism. Confirmation involves being responsible for one’s faith and actions and is a coming-of-age ceremony. Performed by the Bishop, the confirmation rituals involve laying on of hands as well as anointing with holy oils. In addition, the person chooses a new name which is generally the name of a saint and is added to the Christian name after being confirmed by the Bishop. 

• Official Teaching of Confirmation: The catechism of the Catholic Church for the Sacrament of Confirmation.
• Age for Confirmation: Information on the proper age of Confirmation, according to the Code of Canon Law.
• The Sacrament of Confirmation: Information on the sacrament of Confirmation, rites, effects and recipients.
• What is Confirmation: A simple, easy-to-understand description of Confirmation and what occurs during the Sacrament of Confirmation.
• History of Confirmation: A simple yet informative description of the history of Confirmation, including laying on of hands and anointing.
• About the Holy Chrism and Chrismation: Detailed description of Chrismation and its relationship with Baptism and Communion.
• Understanding Confirmation: An explanation of the history and background of Confirmation as well as the Sacrament of Confirmation.
• Confirmation Names: An alphabetical list of confirmation names for boys and girls. Select the appropriate alphabet for options in each.
• Confirmation Sponsor: Considerations to be kept in mind if deciding to become a Confirmation sponsor.
• Confirmation Facts: Brief information on the ritual of Confirmation, the rites of laying on of hands, anointing as well as the importance of Confirmation.
• Confirmation Rites and Practices: Information on the rites, rituals, effects and importance of Confirmation.
• All About Confirmation: Frequently asked questions on the celebration, reasons and preparation for Confirmation.

These three Sacraments are all part of the initiation of an individual into Christ and the Church. Solemn and meaningful, the rites, rituals, and ceremonies of Baptism, First Communion, and Confirmation all serve to bring a person closer to Christ, help him or her to understand the responsibility of being a Christian, and lead a life of faith.