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 sinReborn as sons of GodMembers of the ChurchNew life in ChristShare in the divine life

Origin of BaptismBaptism of Jesus at Jordan riverJohn called on the people to prepare for the coming of Gods KingdomGreek word, baptizein means to dip or immerse into the waterWater: gives life, act of conversionIn the NT, it is radical change on oneself.

BAPTISMSENSIBLE SIGN OF WASHING WITH WATER

SYMBOLIZESCLEANSING FROM ALL SINREBIRTH TO NEW LIFE IN THE SPIRITTHROUGH 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 ceremonyIt was on Easter eve.They joined the community and listened to the readingsIn the morning, they were exorcised and anointedFinal renunciation of devilStripped off their garmentsWent to the pool and were baptizedWent out of the pool and given white garmentReturn to the assemblyThey were presented to the bishop, anointed them with oilReceived the Eucharist

BAPTISM AS A SACRAMENT OF FAITHTWO SENSESINITIAL DEEPENING OF FAITH:DEEPENING OF FAITHPROMPTS PEOPLE TO ASK FOR BAPTISMEFFECTS OF BAPTISMAL GRACEHOW TO BECOME A CHRISTIANHOW TO REMAIN A CHRISTIAN

BAPTISM AS A SACRAMENT OF FAITH REVEALS THE DYNAMIC PROCESS OF CHRISTIAN FORMATIONREVEALSBAPTISM IS NOT RECEIVED PASSIVELY:DEMANDS PROPER DISPOSITIONACTIVE PERSONAL RESPONSE WHICH CONTINUES THROUGOUT THE BAPTISMAL LFE

How did they come up with infant baptism?

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

St. Augustine of HippoHe taught that the original sin was in mans soul from birth.

ORIGINAL SIN AND BAPTISMORIGINAL SIN:SINFUL CONDITION INTO WHICH ALL HUMAN BEINGS ARE BORN AS DESCENDANTS OF ADAM AND EVEEFFECTS:MORAL WEAKNESSINCLINATION 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 baptismIt 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 congregationParents give the childs name, then declare their desire to have the child baptizedThe presider speaks to the parents and godparents of their responsibility to bring up the child in the faith.The sign of the crossLiturgy of the Word of GodOffering of prayersPrayer of exorcism

Celebration today:The child is brought to the baptismal fontThe priest blesses the waterBaptismal 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 sacramentsSt. 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 CHRISTBIBLICALLY PRESENTED IN TWO WAYS:

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

SHARING IN CHRISTS BAPTISM, IN HIS PASCHAL MYSTERYDYING AND RISING WITH CHRIST IN BAPTISM

INCOPORATION INTO THE CHURCHBAPTISM UNITES US WITH OTHERS ASMEMBERS OF THE BODY OF CHRIST

AS INCORPORATION INTO THE CHURCHBAPTISM CONFERS OUR SHARE IN CHRISTS MISSION

THREEFOLD OFFICE OF CHRIST:PROPHETIC:BEARING WITNESSPRIESTLY:OFFERING SPIRITUALSACRIFICESKINGLY:SERVICE

SOCIAL DIMENSION OF BAPTISMOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH CHRIST IS NEVER A PRIVATE AFFAIRRATHER, IT IS A RELATIONSHIP THAT ORIGINATESGROWS DEVELOPSWITH FELLOW MEMBERS OF CHRISTS BODYOUR BAPTISMAL LIFE IS NEVER SOLITARY BUT A COMMUNAL SHARING WITH OTHERS IN THE CHRIST OUR LORD

SHARING IN THE DIVINE LIFEWE ARE NOT SIMPLY CREATURES ANYMORE BUTCHILDREN OF GODTHROUGH THE SON, JESUSIN 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. AmenORDINARY MINISTERS OF BAPTISM:BISHOP, PRIEST, DEACONIN CASE OF NECESSITY (IN DANGER OF DEATH)ANY PERSON, EVEN SOMEONE NOT BAPTIZEDBAPTISMAL SEAL: PERMANENT CHARACTERHENCE, CAN ONLY BE RECEIVED ONCE

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