The Paschal Triduum with the Sacraments of Initiation

The greatest celebration of the Church year is Easter, and the Easter Vigil Mass is the greatest of the Easter celebrations. It is at this celebration where the Elect and Candidates are initiated into the Church.

The Paschal Triduum (Holy Thursday, Good Friday, the Easter Vigil Mass, and Easter Sunday) sets the stage for the initiation rites. As part of the Easter Vigil Mass, the Sacraments of Initiation are celebrated with the assembly. The Sacraments of Initiation are:

• Baptism - by the waters of baptism, a person passes into the new life of grace and becomes a member of the Body of Christ.
  
• Confirmation - anointing with special holy oil called chrism is the act which seals the baptism promise through the power of the Holy Spirit.
  
• Holy Eucharist - participation at the Table of the Lord - receiving Eucharist completes full membership in the Church.

Tough the reception of the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist signifies the conclusion of the third step of the process of Initiation; it is just the beginning. As with any relationship, it must continue to grow. The newly initiated continue their growth through post baptismal catechesis in the next period called Mystagogy - deepening their relationship with Christ and His Catholic Church.