Christian Initiation and Sacraments

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Baptism, Sacrament of

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The first of the Seven Sacraments and one of the three Sacraments of Christian Initiation by which one becomes a member of the Church and a new creature in Christ.

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catechesis, catechists

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Catechesis is the process by which Christians of all ages are taught the essentials of Christian doctrine and are formed as disciples of Christ. Catechists are the ministers of catechesis.

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catechumen

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An unbaptized person who is preparing for full initiation into the Catholic Church by engaging in formal study, reflection, and prayer.

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Christian Initiation, Sacraments of

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The three Sacraments—Baptism, Confirmation, and the Eucharist—through which we enter into full membership in the Church.

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common priesthood of the faithful

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The name for the priesthood shared by all who are baptized. The baptized share in the one priesthood of Jesus Christ by participating in his mission as priest, prophet, and king.

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Easter

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The day on which Christians celebrate Jesus’ Resurrection from the dead; considered the most holy of all days and the climax of the Church’s liturgical year.

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elect

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The name given to catechumens after the Rite of Election while they are in the final period of preparation for the Sacraments of Christian Initiation.

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evangelization

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The proclamation of the Good News of Jesus Christ through word and witness.

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mystagogy

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A period of catechesis following the reception of the Sacraments of Christian Initiation that aims to more fully initiate people into the mystery of Christ.

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normative

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Refers to the standard according to which a thing is done; this standard is not necessarily affected by the number of times a thing is done. Adult Baptism through the RCIA is normative in the Catholic Church, even though infant Baptism is more common.