ording to Marthaler (1992) has changed drastically over time; ôWhereas to believe originally meant to hold dear and clearly implied a strong personal commitment based on trust, it now connotes an element of uncertainty, and even when addressed to a personàit signals a minimum of trust and does not imply commitmentö (23).
Modifications of the Sacraments during Vatican II were meant to not only modernize the Church but to also foster a greater sense of community among all persons of faith. One of the biggest changes to the Sacraments is that the vernacular, instead of Latin, is permissible when performing the rites of Baptism, Confirmation, Penance, the Anointing of the Sick, Matrimony, in conferring Holy Orders, and the Holy Communion. As noted in the Sacrosanctum Concilium (Constitution on Sacred Liturgy), ôThe vernacular language may be used in administering the sacraments and sacramentals, according to the norm of Art. 26ö (Vatican 1963).
The Baptism was also modified, especially with respect to infant Baptism. Baptism was altered with respect to illustrating that the infant was receiving the Sacrament. It was also altered to place more emphasis on the duties of parents and godparents. According to Marthaler (1992), Baptism is a move from worldly attachment to the kingdom of God but means more than current use of the term: ôBaptism is not a æhead tripÆ, a question of moving from disbelief to belief, as the terms are currently understood, but a conversionùa change of heartö (21).
Confirmation was also modified in its position and in its prescriptions. Confirmation is to be held within the Mass, following the Gospel and sermon. During Confirmation, the promises made during the
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