Thesacraments of initiation (also called the "mysteries of initiation") are the three sacraments ofBaptism,Confirmation, andEucharist (more specifically, theFirst Communion) inNicene Christianity.[1][2] As such, they are distinguished from the sacraments of healing (Anointing of the sick andSacrament of Penance)[3] and from the sacraments of service (Marriage andOrdination).[4]
InEastern Christianity all three sacraments are usually administered at the same time, even in the case of infants.[5] In theLatin Church and other Western denominations, the rite ofinfant baptism was developed for use with babies. In these traditions theEucharist andConfirmation are postponed until the child achieves the age of self-awareness. Adults are normally baptized after enrollment as acatechumen, either formally, as in theLatin Church, or more informally, as in some Eastern Catholic Churches. In his apostolic constitutionDivinae consortium naturae on the sacrament of Confirmation,[6]Pope Paul VI declared: "The sharing in the divine nature given to men through the grace of Christ bears a certain likeness to the origin, development, and nourishing of natural life. The faithful are born anew by Baptism, strengthened by the sacrament of Confirmation, and receive in the Eucharist the food of eternal life."[7]
According toCatholictheology, the way the sacraments of initiation are celebrated is meant to bring aneophyte to experience and know, through visiblesacramental signs and gestures,eternal life andgraceJesus has brought into this world. They are always accompanied by theWord of God.[8] Particular focus is placed on thepaschal mystery of Christ's death and resurrection. The privileged time of celebrating them isEaster, and by the 4th century it was accepted as the normal time of administering them, although it was also allowed onPentecost.[9][10]
