3. The symbols of Baptism and Confirmation help the Church community to express and celebrate initiation into the Christian community
Students will learn:
- about the symbols of Baptism and Confirmation
- to explore these symbols in the light of sacred Scripture and the Tradition of the Church
- about the connection between Baptism and Confirmation
Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist are the Sacraments of Christian initiation. In the early Church adults were baptised, confirmed and received the Eucharist within one ceremony. This still occurs in the RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults). In some expressions of the Catholic faith (for example Maronite, Melkite traditions) the sacraments of Confirmation and Baptism are part of the one ceremony. Some students may have already been confirmed at their Baptism as infants. The symbols are basically the same.
The story presented in this unit content, of Moses leading Israel through the Red Sea, is an overview of half of the book of Exodus but has been shortened to focus on the key event, which is the passing through the Red Sea, from slavery in Egypt to freedom. The story of the Exodus is foundational to an understanding of the symbol of water in Baptism and to the Eucharist as the new ‘passover’. As the Israelites moved through the sea into freedom, so through the waters of Baptism, we enter into the freedom of Christ Jesus.
Anointing with oil is an ancient symbol. In the Old Testament kings were anointed when they were chosen by God to lead with justice and integrity. People were called as prophets and anointed to carry out God’s work. Priests too were anointed. The ritual of anointing with oil symbolises strengthening for the mission of the Church. The words ‘Christ’ and ‘Messiah’ mean ‘anointed one’. We are anointed to be Christ for each other, and Christ in the world
Retrieved from Catholic Education Office Sydney, 2013.
- about the symbols of Baptism and Confirmation
- to explore these symbols in the light of sacred Scripture and the Tradition of the Church
- about the connection between Baptism and Confirmation
Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist are the Sacraments of Christian initiation. In the early Church adults were baptised, confirmed and received the Eucharist within one ceremony. This still occurs in the RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults). In some expressions of the Catholic faith (for example Maronite, Melkite traditions) the sacraments of Confirmation and Baptism are part of the one ceremony. Some students may have already been confirmed at their Baptism as infants. The symbols are basically the same.
The story presented in this unit content, of Moses leading Israel through the Red Sea, is an overview of half of the book of Exodus but has been shortened to focus on the key event, which is the passing through the Red Sea, from slavery in Egypt to freedom. The story of the Exodus is foundational to an understanding of the symbol of water in Baptism and to the Eucharist as the new ‘passover’. As the Israelites moved through the sea into freedom, so through the waters of Baptism, we enter into the freedom of Christ Jesus.
Anointing with oil is an ancient symbol. In the Old Testament kings were anointed when they were chosen by God to lead with justice and integrity. People were called as prophets and anointed to carry out God’s work. Priests too were anointed. The ritual of anointing with oil symbolises strengthening for the mission of the Church. The words ‘Christ’ and ‘Messiah’ mean ‘anointed one’. We are anointed to be Christ for each other, and Christ in the world
Retrieved from Catholic Education Office Sydney, 2013.
Below are the images that can be used to teach students about the symbols of Baptism. It is important to highlight the significance of the symbol of water and explore with the class the cleansing properties and meaning behind this symbol. This can also be related to other areas within the R.E unit as water is a common element and holds great importance in a variety of bible stories. The third resource can also be used to explore the concept of the white clothing associated with Baptism and can be used to highlight and contrast the different ages Baptism can occur for any person. Again, teachers need to be careful how they use these images as not all students have been baptised or may not have been baptised as an infant. These images, although they make appear quite simple and basic can be adapted to suit Inquiry Based Learning teaching and learning strategies through analysis and research driven activities. The potential is here, its all about how the teacher chooses to deliver the content and uses these tools to create authentic and meaningful learning.
These are the images that can be used to represent the symbols of confirmation including the chrism oil and the anointing of the candidate by the priest or laying of the hands. It is vital that the teacher communicates to the students the full process as these images are simply a frozen snapshot and it would benefit students to also explore the spoken words that occur during this event. These images are useful in helping students to identify the role and importance of the priest and the sponsor in relation to the candidate's journey with God. With the use of the visual aids, teachers can easily engage any visual spatial learners in the classroom and also aim to have students analyse and understand in terms of Blooms.
This video can be shown to students as a foundation to explore the connection between Baptism and Confirmation, by specifically looking at Jesus' own baptism. This resource can be related to the image above and can challenge students to explore their perceptions of the 'age' aspect of Baptism. This video is also useful to allow students to see the context that Baptism could take place in if not in a church over the various times in history. Furthermore it gives students have not been baptised the opportunity to learn about and understand the sacrament. Another important element that can be identified in this video is the use of the dove to represent the Holy Spirit. Click on the button below to be linked directly to the video.
Although a great video to view teachers need to be mindful when discussing the video considering the ancient context and the age of Jesus in the video. As long as the teacher is conscious to this point out to students- this could inform further teaching and lessons as well as allow for students who have not been baptised to relate as well as something for them to consider. This video allows for Blooms Taxonomy to further progress and develop to higher order thinking such an applying, analysis and evaluation- with planning these can be embedded with ease.