Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist (CT3350Y)

Undergraduate, 18.0 points

Content

“Christians are made, not born” (Tertullian). This unit explores with ecumenical sensitivity the origin, history and meaning of the processes involved in persons becoming Christians. The unit: explores insights drawn from cultural anthropology and ritual studies regarding the significance attached to initiation; historically charts the practices of Christian initiation in the early Church and the subsequent emergence of the three separate sacraments of initiation: baptism, confirmation and Eucharist; investigates the sacraments of initiation in the post-Vatican II Catholic Church, reflecting on debates surrounding different approaches and on the significance of the Eucharist.

Unit code: CT3350Y

Unit status: Approved (Major revision)

Points: 18.0

Unit level: Undergraduate Level 3

Unit discipline: Systematic Theology

Delivery Mode: Blended

Proposing College: Yarra Theological Union

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Learning outcomes

1.

Explain the cultural significance attached to initiation as a ritual process
2.

Identify key historical developments in the emergence and evolution of baptism, confirmation and Eucharist as sacraments of initiation
3.

Articulate major theological insights regarding Christian initiation following the Second Vatican Council, especially in relation to the RCIA
4.

Demonstrate skills in reading and analysing key texts and rites associated with the sacraments of initiation
5.

Discuss the place of the Eucharist in the church's sacraments of initiation
6.

Analyse debates surrounding the understanding and celebration of the sacraments of initiation in the contemporary Church

Unit sequence

1x CT unit

Pedagogy

Synchronous and asynchronous lectures and tutorials

Indicative Bibliography

  • Bradshaw, Paul F. and Maxwell E. Johnson, The Eucharistic Liturgies: Their Evolution and Interpretation. Collegeville, MN: Liturgical Press, 2012.
  • Johnson, Maxwell E. The Rites of Christian Initiation: Their Evolution and Interpretation. Collegeville: Liturgical Press, 1999.
  • Johnson, Maxwell. Sacraments and Worship: The Sources of Christian Theology. Louisville, Kentucky: Westminster John Knox Press, 2012.
  • Mick, Lawrence. Living Baptism Daily. Collegeville, MN: Liturgical Press, 2004.
  • Moore-Keish, Martha L., and James W. Farwell. T&T Clark Handbook of Sacraments and Sacramentality. London; New York: T&T Clark, 2022.
  • Morris, Thomas. The RCIA Transforming the Church – A Resource for Pastoral Implementation. New York/Mahwah, NJ: Paulist Press, 1989, 1997.
  • Osborne, Kenan. The Christian Sacraments of Initiation. New York: Paulist Press,1987.
  • Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults. Australia and New Zealand: E. J. Dwyer, 2003.
  • The Rites of the Catholic Church: Volume 1. Collegeville, MN: Liturgical Press, 1990.
  • Turner, Paul. Confirmation: The Baby in Solomon’s Court. New York: Paulist Press, 1993.
  • Wood, Susan K. One Baptism: Ecumenical Dimensions of the Doctrine of Baptism. Collegeville: Liturgical Press, 2009.

Assessment

Type Description Word count Weight (%)
Portfolio 4500 100.0
Approvals

Unit approved for the University of Divinity by Prof Albert Haddad on 25 Jun, 2026

Unit record last updated: 2026-06-25 11:36:41 +1000