Issue 6: Baptism

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A Frequently Asked Questions
The first of the seven sacra-
ments is baptism, which is the 1. Do people who aren’t baptized go
spiritual parallel to our birth; just to Hell when they die?
as we are born physically on We have no idea who is saved and
our birthday, we are born spiri- who is not. It is our right as Christians
to hope that all people will be saved,
tually through baptism. though it is also our duty to baptize
Baptism is the basis of the those who come to the Faith.
whole Christian life, the gate- 2. Why should I get baptized?
way to life in the Spirit, and the Baptism, like all sacraments, brings
door which gives access to the God’s grace to your life. It also in-
other sacraments. cludes you in the Catholic Church, the
Mystical Body of Christ, allowing you
It is through baptism that origi- to share intimately with all the saints in
nal sin is washed away, and we the life of the Holy Trinity.
therefore receive grace for the 3. Why do we baptize babies, who
first time. can’t decide for themselves?
Usually, we receive baptism as babies; if an adult converts to Ca- Babies can’t decide anything for
themselves. We choose what we think
tholicism and was never baptized as a child, he or she is typically
is best for them in hopes that they will
baptized at Easter, during the Liturgy of the Easter Vigil. No one grow up happy and healthy. Baptism
who has been baptized may be baptized a second time. is one of life’s great goods that we
choose for them.
Above: in the Catholic Church the custom is to baptize infants. Parents are generally required to take
a short course outlining their meaning of the sacrament and their responsibilty to bring their child up
in the Catholic faith.

Matter of Baptism: the normal matter is water that has been blessed (holy water). In an emergency,
Terms and

if no holy water is available, normal clean water may be used. Water that is dirty may not be used.
Form of Baptism: as the water is poured over the recipient’s head, the one baptizing says, “I baptize
Ideas

you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.” These words must be adhered
to strictly.
Minister of Baptism: usually a priest baptizes people in a church. In an emergency, however, any-
one can baptize another person.
Intention of Baptism: to wash away original sin from our souls and give us grace.
Font: a fixed basin over which the baptized person stands or is held while water is poured over his or
her head.

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