SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM

Sacraments of Initiation
Foundations

of the Christian life. Celebrated at the same time

Baptism: I have called you by name You are mine.

CCC

1213- Baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life, the gateway to life in the Spirit. Freed us from sin Reborn as sons of God Members of the Church New life in Christ Share in the divine life

Origin of Baptism
Baptism

of Jesus at Jordan river John called on the people to prepare for the coming of Gods Kingdom Greek word, baptizein means to dip or immense into the water Water: gives life, act of conversion In the NT, it is radical change on oneself.

BAPTISM SENSIBLE SIGN OF WASHING WITH WATER SYMBOLIZES

CLEANSING FROM ALL SIN

REBIRTH TO NEW LIFE IN THE SPIRIT

THROUGH WATER AND SPIRIT, BAPTISM TAKES AWAY SIN, THUS, EFFECTING AND SIGNIFYING COMING OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

Stages of Baptism in the early Christian communities:

1. Adults were introduced to the Gospel values. 2. They were asked to choose their sponsors. 3. Change in their lifestyle. 4. Weeks before baptism, the catechumens underwent a more rigid preparation. They were already called Christians and could join in liturgical services. 5. Learned about the Lords prayer and creed.

On the day of ceremony

It

was on Easter eve. They joined the community and listened to the readings In the morning, they were exorcised and anointed Final renunciation of devil Stripped off their garments Went to the pool and were baptized Went out of the pool and given white garment Return to the assembly They were presented to the bishop, anointed them with oil Received the Eucharist

BAPTISM AS A SACRAMENT OF FAITH TWO SENSES

INITIAL DEEPENING OF FAITH:

DEEPENING OF FAITH

PROMPTS PEOPLE TO ASK FOR BAPTISM

EFFECTS OF BAPTISMAL GRACE

HOW TO BECOME A CHRISTIAN

HOW TO REMAIN A CHRISTIAN

BAPTISM AS A SACRAMENT OF FAITH

REVEALS THE DYNAMIC PROCESS OF CHRISTIAN FORMATION

REVEALS BAPTISM IS NOT RECEIVED PASSIVELY: DEMANDS PROPER DISPOSITION

ACTIVE PERSONAL RESPONSE WHICH CONTINUES THROUGOUT THE BAPTISMAL LFE

How did they come up with infant baptism?

Cyprian Carthage
Baptism washed away the guilt contracted by human race in Adams fall.

St. Augustine of Hippo

He

taught that the original sin was in mans soul from birth.

ORIGINAL SIN AND BAPTISM ORIGINAL SIN: SINFUL CONDITION INTO WHICH ALL HUMAN BEINGS ARE BORN AS DESCENDANTS OF ADAM AND EVE

EFFECTS: MORAL WEAKNESS INCLINATION TO EVIL

How then would children respond to profess their faith?

Changes:
Adult:

immersing into the pool of water. Infant: pouring of water on the head.

Infant baptism
It

gave rise to the gradual separation of the rites of initiation into distinct sacraments.

Celebration today:
Parents/godparents

present the child before the minister and the congregation Parents give the childs name, then declare their desire to have the child baptized The presider speaks to the parents and godparents of their responsibility to bring up the child in the faith. The sign of the cross Liturgy of the Word of God Offering of prayers Prayer of exorcism

Celebration today:
The

child is brought to the baptismal font The priest blesses the water Baptismal promises- renunciation of sin and profession of faith. Essential rite: -water is poured on the head of infant -words are said: (N), I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. -a gesture that explicitly renounces Satan. Conclusion: Lords Prayer and special prayer for parents.

Two symbols introduced into the rite:

White

garment- symbolizes that they become new persons in Christ (Gal. 3:27) Candle- signifies that Christ has enlightened the newly baptized person.

Teachings of the Church on the Sacrament of Baptism:

Door

to the other sacraments St. Thomas believed that it is necessary for salvation and the first step in the Christian walk of life.

Effects of baptism according to St. Thomas:

1. Imprints upon the soul a spiritual seal or an image of Christ. -sacramental character. 2. Grace, the exercise of these powers and virtues.

CHRISTIAN CHALLENGE:

WE SHARE IN THE LIFE OF GOD

REBORN AND BECOME REAL CHILDREN OF GOD SHARE IN THE PASCHAL MYSTERY OF CHRIST

NEW LIFE IN CHRIST

BIBLICALLY PRESENTED IN TWO WAYS:

THROUGH THE SYMBOL OF WATER AND GODS SPIRIT RELATED TO CREATION ACCOUNT, NEW CREATION IN BAPTISM

SHARING IN CHRISTS BAPTISM, IN HIS PASCHAL MYSTERY

DYING AND RISING WITH CHRIST IN BAPTISM

INCOPORATION INTO THE CHURCH

BAPTISM UNITES US WITH OTHERS AS MEMBERS OF THE BODY OF CHRIST

AS INCORPORATION INTO THE CHURCH BAPTISM CONFERS OUR SHARE IN CHRISTS MISSION

THREEFOLD OFFICE OF CHRIST:

PROPHETIC: BEARING WITNESS

PRIESTLY: OFFERING SPIRITUAL SACRIFICES

KINGLY: SERVICE

SOCIAL DIMENSION OF BAPTISM OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH CHRIST IS NEVER A PRIVATE AFFAIR RATHER, IT IS A RELATIONSHIP THAT

ORIGINATES

GROWS

DEVELOPS

WITH FELLOW MEMBERS OF CHRISTS BODY

OUR BAPTISMAL LIFE IS NEVER SOLITARY BUT A COMMUNAL SHARING WITH OTHERS IN THE CHRIST OUR LORD

SHARING IN THE DIVINE LIFE WE ARE NOT SIMPLY CREATURES ANYMORE BUT CHILDREN OF GOD

THROUGH THE SON, JESUS

IN THE HOLY SPIRIT WHO DWELL IN US

BAPTISMAL FORMULA: Name, I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen ORDINARY MINISTERS OF BAPTISM: BISHOP, PRIEST, DEACON IN CASE OF NECESSITY (IN DANGER OF DEATH) ANY PERSON, EVEN SOMEONE NOT BAPTIZED

BAPTISMAL SEAL: PERMANENT CHARACTER HENCE, CAN ONLY BE RECEIVED ONCE