Sacrament of Christian Initiation: Baptism and Confirmation (Vocabulary)

AFFUSION

The practice of baptizing by means of pouring water over the head of the baptized, also known as infusion. A valid baptism may be administered by affusion or immersion.

ANOINTING

The application of oil to the body, symbolizing the Holy Spirit. This is the ‘matter’ of Confirmation, Anointing of the Sick, and Holy Orders.

BAPTISM

The first of the Seven Sacraments that gives access to the other Sacraments; the chief Sacrament of forgiveness of sins, incorporating the baptized into the Church.

CATECHUMEN

From the Greek for 'one being instructed'; a new convert instructed in the Christian Faith before Baptism.

CATECHUMENATE

The instruction and formation of catechumens, those being prepared for Baptism.

CHRISM

Oil mixed with balsam, consecrated by a bishop, signifying the gift of the Holy Spirit used in Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Orders.

CHRISMATION

Another name for Confirmation, primarily used in the Eastern Rites of the Catholic Church.

CONFIRMAND

A person preparing to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation.

ELECT

Those catechumens in the final stages of formation presented for initiation into the Catholic Church.

EXORCISM

A public act of the Church to liberate a person or object from the power of the devil in the name of Christ.

MYSTAGOGY

A period of continued formation in the Catholic Faith after receiving the Sacraments of Christian Initiation.

NEOPHYTE

A newly baptized Christian.

RENUNCIATION

The act of abandoning or rejecting a belief; includes the renunciation of sin during the Rite of Baptism.

RITE

A formal act of worship or solemn observance.

RITE OF ELECTION

The formal rite at which the local bishop accepts catechumens for initiation into the Catholic Church before Easter Vigil.

SCRUTINIES

Presentations and prayers over the elect at a Sunday Mass, preparing them for full initiation.

SEAL

A permanent mark imprinted on the soul by God in the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Orders.

SOLDIER OF CHRIST

A term for those who receive Confirmation, emphasizing the duty to remain strong in the Faith.

SPONSOR

A baptized, confirmed, practicing Catholic who presents a child or adult for Baptism or Confirmation.

TRINITARIAN FORMULA

Part of the form used in Baptism: 'I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.'

BAPTISM OF BLOOD

Occurs when a person, not baptized with water, suffers death for their faith in Christ.

BAPTISM OF DESIRE

Refers to catechumens who desire Baptism but die before receiving the Sacrament.

GIFTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

God’s gifts enabling us to live a Christian life, including wisdom, understanding, knowledge, counsel, fortitude, piety, and fear of the Lord.