Sacraments of Initiation Baptism, Holy Eucharist, Confirmation

Sacraments of Initiation Baptism, Holy Eucharist, Confirmation

Basic Info All the sacraments prepare us for life in

the Body of Christ. But, they also mirror our natural lives – birth, death, etc. Baptism is like our birth!

So, we begin with baptism! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=05YB

2jdHLsY&list=PL60396574E0A0B9A2&index=1

Biblical Beginnings Begins with the

work of John the Baptists Jesus comes to

John to be baptized.

It is here that His mission begins!

Jesus tells his disciples to baptize in the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Baptism is

Trinitarian! John 3: 3; Mark 16:15-16; 1 Corinthians 15:22; John 1:29

Baptism and New Life

We believe that the in the sacrament of Baptism we are born anew – literally given a new life.

Why? Freedom from sin. We are all born with the

stain of original sin. Baptism cleanses us from

the stain of original sin. Given Grace we never

had before! We BECOME ADOPTED

SONS AND DUAGHTERS OF GOD!

This is why we baptize infants! We want to give them new life right away!

Interesting…The word "baptism" comes from the Greek word to "plunge" or "immerse." As Christ plunged into death for our sake and rose again, so too are we plunged into the waters for rebirth.

“Do you not know that all of us who have baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into this death? We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life?“ Romans 6:2-4

That’s why many Christians take a true plunge – go under the water. - By going under water, we symbolically enter the tomb. We come up for air as a new creation.

Important Stuff!

The things we use in the sacrament are important.

We don’t just use any old stuff. We use things that have very symbolic meanings and have been prescribed by Christ or through other Revelation.

THE STUFF! Proper matter – the

prescribed materials. Correct words or

form – the prescribed words and gestures.

Designated minister – the prescribed minister.

The Stuff of Baptism - Symbols

Water Symbolizes the cleansing of our sins. Also a tomb!

Oil Symbolizes that the Holy Spirit enters into us. Biblical kings were anointed with oil. Christ = anointed.

Candle been enlightened by Christ. Alight to the world.

White garment: newly washed and clothed in Christ.

People: Priest, Deacon, parents, godparents.

The Words I BAPTIZE YOU IN THE NAME OF THE

FATHER, SON, AND HOLY SPIRIT. This is important! For Catholics, without

these exact words there is no baptism.

CREATOR, REDEEMER, SPIRIT?

We enter into the Church In Baptism, we almost become adopted by

the Church. This is the symbolism of Godparents. They

arent our real parents, but they represent the community in which we are baptized into.

Baptismal Promises: Community says these together. They say it for the Baby! They take the

responsibility! It is all of our responsibility to take sure those

who are baptized are raised as children of Light.

We receive… We receive grace, a

special life and participation in God.

We receive the Holy Spirit, and the Holy Spirit fills us.

We are incorporated into the Body of Christ.

An indelible mark: Meaning, this is a mark

that never goes away. We are always

baptized. And although we can deny our Baptism – and all the things we receive – Baptism claims us forever. Like a tattoo we can

never remove.