Sacraments of Initiation — Study Aids

These pages summarize much of the material needed to study for the Sacraments of Initiation unit review questions and are derived from the book Ecclesiastical Year for Catholic Schools by Andreas Petz.

The primary book used as a reference for the Sacraments of Initiation unit is Mass and the Sacraments by Fr. John Laux (1932). Most questions are based on the first four chapters, and relate to topics commonly covered in most Children's Catechisms. Reading assignments that refer to the Sacraments of Initiation are provided.

Mass and the Sacraments     by Rev. Fr. John Laux
The doctrine and history of the Seven Sacraments. Also covers Indulgences and Sacramentals. Topics include the Scriptural background of the Sacraments, their institution by Christ, essential requirements for receving them, their effects in the soul, etc. Will deepen understanding of these seven lifelines of grace and salvation.

Reading Assignment:     Chapters 1 to 4A, 4C, pp 1-48, 83-94
(1) Sacraments in General, (2) Baptism, (3) Confirmation, (4-A) Eucharist-Real Presence, (4-C) Eucharist-Holy Communion

The Catechisms listed below are in the public domain and are available in electronic form online or as an ebook. The Baltimore Catechmism No. 3 is intended for high school students and includes more questions and substantially longer explanations than Numbers 1 and 2.

Baltimore Catechism - Volume 3  by T. Kinkead
The Baltimore Catechism is the official national catechism for children in the United States and Volume 3 is suitable for high schoolers and those who have received their confirmation. It reviews material from volume 2, but includes additional questions, definitions, examples, and applications.

Reading Assignment:     Chapters 13-15, 22-23
(13) Sacraments, (14) Baptism, (15) Confirmation, (22-23) Eucharist

Compendium: Catechism of the Catholic Church     by USCCB (2005)
The Compendium of the Catechism of the Catholic Church is a summary of the 1992 version of the Catechism of the Catholic Church. It was developed under the direction of Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger (Pope Benedict XVI), then head of the CD. The Compendium is organized into the same divisions as the Catechism, but the simplified Question and Answer format is more appropriate for high school level study and review.

Reading Assignment:     Part II, Section II, Chapter 1;
(2-II) Seven Sacraments of the Church (2-II-1) Sacraments of Christian Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist),

The following selections are short, entertaining videos that were chosen to appeal to students. They are visually engaging and cover many of the technical aspects of the sacraments, such as form and matter, effects, valid ministers, that are necessary for answering the Sacraments Review Questions.

• Sophia Sketchpad: Baptism — The artwork for all the Sophia Sketchpad videos is hand drawn and very appealing to students. Each video is approximately six minutes.
• Sophia Sketchpad: Confirmation
• Sophia Sketchpad: Eucharist
• 1-2-3 Catholic: Seven Sacraments — This ten minute video features a talented group of school children and covers the most important facts about all seven sacraments.