Catholic Religious Rituals: Baptism and Eucharist
Baptism is the first of the 3 sacraments of initiation in the Catholic tradition is Baptism. During Baptism we are united into the body of Christ. Confirmation is the ritual in which Catholics accept a unique expression of the Holy Spirit. Through Confirmation, the Holy Spirit offers them the enhanced ability to perform their Catholic faith in all aspects of their lives and to view Christ in every situation. The Eucharist is a ritual and a gift. In the Eucharist, underneath the attendances of bread and wine, the Lord is “contained, offered and received.”
Other religious rituals that are not tied to initiation include Sunday mass, saying grace before a meal, or celebrating an annual feast like Easter or Christmas. At Terrace, we participate in a daily religious ritual when we say the college prayer every afternoon. When we combine specific actions together on a regular basis, we are participating in secular rituals. For example, whenever I get home, I always get something to eat and then go do my work. Likewise, we participate in secular rituals at school each day: we call the roll at the start of each lesson, we play handball after we eat, and the list goes on.
The rituals are similar to me at Terrace for various reasons. Baptism is like Orientation Day. You’re welcomed into the community but not fully a part of it. When you are Baptised, you’re not officially Catholic. Confirmation is similar to your first day. On your first day, you finally become a Terrace Gentleman. Not only this but you also become a part of the Terrace Community. You apply to be a Terrace Gentleman to being a Terrace Gentleman in all aspects of your life This relates back to confirmation because it is where you view Christ in every situation. The Eucharist is a ritual that you celebrate every time you’re at church. Like the Eucharist Examples at Terrace, we have many rituals that remind you what it is to be a Terrace Gentleman. The college prayer at the end of the day, assemblies, and gorilla gatherings would be examples.
One of the symbols that have formed my journey at Terrace would be the Reidy Raven crest. Reidy Raven house would be the most inclusive house out of all nine. In Reidy's house, everybody gets along well, and it makes me feel like I’m at home. Not only that but everyone’s proud to wear green as it’s our house color.
Being a part of Reidy was important for my buddy Will seeing he was the only person from his school coming to Terrace and didn’t really know anyone. Reidy House helped him create new friends and he was introduced to new people when he arrived. From talking to my buddy, Reidy House has been an important part of both of our journeys so far.
The expectations of a Terrace Gentleman are quite simple. You must have a determined growth towards knowledge of self, and a good friendship with others and our role model must be Jesus. There are 3 symbols that shape being a Terrace Gentleman, they are the Celtic Cross, The Star, and the Book of Learning. The Celtic Cross stands for “Knowledge of college values, expectations, and traditions through action and example. The Star represents Humility in modeling respect for difference and leadership for actions. The Book of Learning symbolizes Wisdom in aspiring to excellence and engaging wholeheartedly in the life and mission of the college.”
