Religious Studies

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What is meant by the term, "rite of passage"? Choose one Christian denomination. Describe the main rites of passage in that denomination.

I am going to describe the Roman Catholic churches main rites of passage. There are four important rites, they are; baptism, confirmation, marriage and funerals. A rite is a religious ceremony. If the rite marks a certain stage of someone's life it is called a rite of passage. Christians believe god gives them powers to do his will, this is called god's grace.

The first rite I will describe is baptism. When a person is baptised it is believed that it is their welcome into the Christian church. Holy water is either put onto the person's forehead or they are totally covered in water. This is a rite of passage because it is believed to be a very special as god is accepting them into the church. Infant baptisms in the Roman Catholic church take place during mass so the whole congregation of the church can welcome the child into the Christian faith. The priest takes the service. Three promises must be made but as the child is too young to say them parents or godparents say them on the child's behalf. The promises are:

* To turn to Christ

* To repent sin

* To renounce evil

They also agree to raise the child in a Christian house and faith and say that they believe in the Trinity. The sign of a cross is made on the child's forehead by the priest while he says; "I sign you with the cross, the sign of Christ. Do not be ashamed to confess the faith of Christ crucified." As the priest says the child's name and; "I baptise you in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit", he pours water onto the child's forehead. A lighted candle is usually given to the parents as a sign and reminder that the child is now in the light of god, and not the darkness of sin. After this ceremony the child is part of the Christian family. The child is anointed with oil called chrism, it is to show the child has important work to do in god's service. Also a white garment is worn to show the light of Christ. The water is a sign of purifying the child.

The second of the rites is confirmation. It is when someone confirms their belief in god and Christ and when someone who has been baptised is old enough to make the promises made for them at their baptism themselves. They are:

* To turn to Christ

* To repent sin

* To renounce evil

A bishop asks whether they believe in god, Jesus and the Holy Spirit. He will then lay his hands on the person's head and says; "(persons name), be sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit," while he is making the sign of the cross with his right thumb. This sign is made using chrism on the person's forehead. Then the bishop and the person shake hands and the bishop will say; "peace be with you" and the person replies; "and also with you." More than one person can be confirmed at one time. The bishop asks these questions and the candidate's reply together:

"Do you reject the devil and all rebellion against god?"

"I reject them"

"Do you renounce the deceit and corruption of evil?"

"I renounce them"

"Do you repent of the sins that separate us from god and neighbour?"

"I repent of them"

"Do you turn to Christ as Saviour?"

"I turn to Christ"

"Do you submit to Christ as lord?"

"I submit to Christ"

"Do you come to Christ, the way, the truth and the life?"

"I come to Christ"

The bishop then says:

"Almighty and ever-living God, you have given these your servants new birth in baptism by water and the spirit, and have forgiven them all their sins. Let your Holy Spirit rest upon them; the spirit of wisdom and understanding the spirit of counsel and inward strength; the spirit of knowledge and true godliness; and let their delight be in the fear of the lord. Amen."

The bishop the prays, "Defend O Lord, these your servants with your heavenly grace, that they may continue yours for ever, and daily increase in your holy spirit more and more until they come to your ever-lasting kingdom. Amen."

The third rite of passage is marriage. This is when a man and a woman have a legal union and bond together, they live and often have children together. To Christians it is important to get married in a church, as they think, this will make sure god blesses the marriage. They also think because god first established marriage, couples should stay faithful to each other for life. The priest begins the ceremony by telling the couple that marriage is important, a serious and special step in their lives and a gift from god. He then says;

"it is gods purpose that as husband and wife give themselves to each other in love throughout their lives, they shall be united in that love as Christ is united with his church. Marriage is given, that the husband and wife may comfort and help each other, living faithfully together in need and in plenty, in sorrow and in joy. It is given that with delight and tenderness, they may know each other in love, and through the joy of their bodily union, may strengthen the unions of their hearts and lives. It is given, that they may have children and be blessed in caring for them, and bringing them up in accordance with gods will, to his praise and glory."

The wedding guests are then asked to pray, and then to say if they know of any reason why the couple should not get married. The bride and groom are then asked in turn:

"(Person's name), will you take (the other person) to be your husband/wife? Will you love him/her, comfort him/her, honour him/her and protect him/her and forsaking all others, be faithful to him/her as long as you both shall live?"

The bride and groom then agree by saying:

"I, (persons name) take you (other persons name), to be my wife/husband; to have and