OCIA Session 7: Baptism & Confirmation – New Life in Christ and the Spirit’s Power

Welcome back! Last time, we began our journey into the sacraments with an overview of all seven. Today we’ll zoom in on the first two sacraments of initiation: Baptism and Confirmation. These sacraments are like the front door and the foundation of the Christian life. Through them, we become children of God and receive the strength of the Holy Spirit to live as faithful disciples. If you’ve ever wondered, “Where do I really begin in the Catholic Church?” the answer is here.

What Is Baptism?

Baptism is the first sacrament of initiation. Through Baptism:

We are freed from original sin.
We become children of God.
We are incorporated into the Body of Christ - the Church.

The Catechism calls Baptism “the gateway to life in the Spirit.” It’s like getting your spiritual birth certificate. Without it, you can’t receive the other sacraments.

And how does it happen? With water and the words: “I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.”

That’s it. Simple. Powerful. Life-changing.

Humor Break

You know you’re Catholic when you’ve been to a baptism where the baby cried louder than the choir. Guess what? The water still worked. God’s grace doesn’t depend on whether the baby behaves.

Symbols of Baptism

Water: Cleansing, life, rebirth.
Oil: Strength, healing, being chosen.
White Garment: New life, purity.
Candle: The light of Christ, entrusted to the family and community.

Each symbol isn’t just decoration - it proclaims a reality.

Interactive Reflection

Think of water in your own life: a shower that refreshed you, a pool that cooled you, a rainstorm that nourished the earth. Now imagine God using water to refresh, cleanse, and bring you to new life. That’s Baptism.

Why Baptism Matters

Baptism isn’t just about “getting into heaven someday.” It changes your identity now. You belong to God. You are sealed with His love. And you are part of a family - the Catholic Church.

What Is Confirmation?

If Baptism is the birth, Confirmation is the strengthening. It completes Baptism’s grace and fills us with the gifts of the Holy Spirit. In Confirmation:

We are sealed with the Holy Spirit.
We receive strength to live and witness as Catholics.
We’re more deeply united with the Church.

The bishop (or priest, in some cases) anoints the candidate with chrism oil and says: “Be sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit.”

Humor Break #2

People sometimes call Confirmation “Catholic graduation.” Wrong. It’s more like Catholic boot camp. You’re not finished - you’re just getting started.

Gifts of the Holy Spirit

The Spirit equips us with seven gifts:

Wisdom
Understanding
Counsel (Right Judgment)
Fortitude (Courage)
Knowledge
Piety (Reverence)
Fear of the Lord (Awe and Wonder)

These aren’t random. They’re the exact strengths you’ll need to follow Jesus in daily life.

Interactive Activity

Which gift of the Spirit do you most want right now? Take a minute. Write it down. Maybe you’re craving wisdom for decisions. Maybe courage to stand up for your faith. Maybe piety to deepen your prayer life. Bring that to prayer this week.

Connection Between Baptism & Confirmation

Think of Baptism and Confirmation as two parts of one movement:

Baptism: being born into the family.
Confirmation: receiving the Spirit’s power to live out your calling.

Together with the Eucharist, they form the sacraments of initiation - your full entry into Catholic life.

Parish Connection

Every parish has a baptismal font - usually near the entrance. That’s intentional. Baptism is the door into the Church. Every time you dip your fingers in holy water, you’re renewing those promises. And Confirmation often takes place at special parish Masses, led by the bishop. It’s a reminder that you’re not just part of a local group - you’re connected to the whole Church.

Humor Break #3

One little Catholic mystery: no matter how much holy water you put on your forehead, it always drips down your nose at the most awkward moment. Don’t worry. God notices the faith, not the drip.

Action Step

This week:

Go to Mass and pause at the baptismal font. Slowly make the Sign of the Cross.
Whisper to yourself: “I am a child of God. I am sealed with the Spirit.”
If possible, attend or watch a parish baptism or Confirmation. Notice how the whole community celebrates.

Closing

Baptism and Confirmation aren’t just events from the past. They are living realities that shape who you are today. They mark you forever as God’s own and equip you to live as His witness in the world. Next session, we’ll explore the Eucharist - the source and summit of Catholic life. It’s the sacrament that brings us into deepest communion with Christ and His Church. Until then, remember: you are a beloved child of God, and the Spirit is alive in you. Live like it!

next class:
OCIA Session 8: The Eucharist – The Real Presence and Source of Christian Life