Of the Church’s three Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation, and Communion), Confirmation has undergone the most changes.

The Sacraments of Baptism and Eucharist existed in one form or another since the dawn of Christianity. Confirmation, however, has a more convoluted history. Originally, the Holy Spirit was conferred at Baptism with an anointing by the bishop following immersion. In the Eastern portion of Christianity, the post-baptismal rites were presided over by the priest who baptized; but, in the West, those rites were always reserved to the bishop.

Our senses are piqued in many ways at Mass: the sounds of the music and choir, the aroma of the incense, and the images depicted in paintings and stained glass windows. A prominent way that our sense of sight is awakened and helps draw us deeper into the liturgy and its seasons is through the different colors of vestments the priest and deacon wear.

Before the apparition, La Salette was an unknown hamlet lost in one of those giant crevices of the French Alps. Early on September 19, 1846, the two children climb the slopes of the Mount Sous-Les- Baisses, each urging four cows up the mountain. Contrary to their habits, the two children lied down on the grass and fell asleep. The September sun was relaxing and the sky was cloudless. The chattering brook highlighted the mountain stillness. These were quiet moments.

Baptism is the first sacrament a person may receive. It opens the door to the other sacraments and is normally followed by the sacraments of Confirmation and First Eucharist to complete one’s full initiation into the life of Christ within the Catholic Church. Baptism is so important that in danger of death, the Church allows laity to perform baptism with a simple rite pouring water and saying, “I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” Nurses sometimes do this, but it must be done correctly and with the right intention.

When was the last time you thought about what was most important in your life? It will likely be no surprise that no matter what your state of life the Church strongly suggests that you make God your first priority. But what should be number 2, or number 3, etc.? So many good things compete for our attention. Parents, children, family, spouse, friends, ourselves, strangers in need.

If God is our first priority then what order would He have us place the others?