“B” Is For Baptism

The Presentation
 "Baptism is the sacrament of
regeneration through water in
the word."
• Gain entry into Christian life and union with
the Holy Spirit
• Gateway to other sacraments
• Reborn as sons of God as it frees us from
sin
 “This sacrament is called
Baptism, after the central rite
by which it is carried out…”
• Named after its central rite of Christian
initiation
• Meaning to plunge or immerse
• “Water symbolizes the Catechumen's
burial into Christ's death” and enables
them to participate in His resurrection as a
“new creature”
 “This sacrament is also called ‘the
washing of regeneration and
renewal by the Holy Spirit,’”
• “For it signifies and actually brings about
the birth of water and the Spirit”
• Without which no one can enter the
Kingdom of God
 "This bath is called enlightenment,
because those who receive this
[catechetical] instruction are enlightened
in their understanding . . .”
• Baptism is an “enlightenment” in which we receive Jesus and
become “sons and daughters of light”.
• Baptism is God’s most beautiful gift.
• We also call it…
– Gift – those who receive bring nothing of their own
– Grace – given to the guilty
– Anointing – it is priestly and royal
– Enlightenment – radiates light
– Clothing – veils our shame
– Bath – washes away our sin
– Seal – guard and sign of God’s Lordship.
BAPTISM IN THE ECONOMY
OF SALVATION

Prefigurations of Baptism in the Old

Covenant
 “Since the beginning of the world,
water, so humble and wonderful a
creature, has been the source of life
and fruitfulness.”
• Easter Vigil - commemorates events in saving
history that prefigured Baptism
• God gives us grace in the symbol of water in
Baptism
• According to Sacred Scripture the Spirit of God
overshadows water
• The Spirit breathed in the waters making it the
wellspring of holiness
 “The waters of the great flood
you made a sign of the waters of
Baptism, that make an end of sin and a
new beginning of goodness “

• Noah’s ark prefigured salvation through

water
• Emersion is a symbol of dying then rising
and because of this death and new life
we are in communion with Jesus’ death
and resurrection
 “You freed the children of Abraham from
the slavery of Pharaoh, bringing them dry-
shod through the waters of the Red Sea,
to be an image of the people set free in
Baptism”

• Like the liberation of Israel from slavery in Egypt

we are liberated from sin through Baptism
• Baptism is also prefigured when the Israelites
crossed the Jordan and received the gift of land
promised to them
• “The promise of this blessed inheritance is
fulfilled in the New Covenant.”
BAPTISM IN THE ECONOMY
OF SALVATION

Christ’s Baptism
“All the Old Covenant prefigurations
find their fulfillment in Christ Jesus”
• Jesus is baptized in Jordan River by John the
Baptist
• After his resurrection he sends his apostles to
baptize the nations and teach to observe what
Jesus had commanded
• Jesus voluntarily submitted himself to be
baptized by John the Baptist
– Intended for sinners, but needed to “fulfill all
righteousness”
– Jesus was revealed as God’s beloved son at Baptism
“In his Passover Christ opened to all
men the fountain of Baptism.”
• Jesus’ passion was a Baptism in which he had to
be baptized
• “The blood and water that flowed from the
pierced side of the crucified Jesus are types of
Baptism and the Eucharist, the sacraments of
new life.”
• We need Baptism in order to enter the Kingdom
of God
• St. Ambrose tells us that when we are baptized
we participate in his Passion and are therefore
redeemed
BAPTISM IN THE ECONOMY
OF SALVATION

Baptism in the Church

“From the very day of Pentecost
the Church has celebrated and
administered holy Baptism.”
“Father, you give us grace through
sacramental signs,
which tell us of the wonders of your unseen
power.
In Baptism we use your gift of water,
which you have made a rich symbol
of the grace you give us in this sacrament.”
Roman Missal, Easter Vigil 42: Blessing of Water
 “Since the beginning of the world,
water, so humble and wonderful a
creature, has been the source of life and
fruitfulness.”
• Water is the Source of Life
– Without water, there is no life
• And so, without the water of life from
Baptism, our lives in God are incomplete
• Water is essential to all life
 “The waters of the great flood
you made a sign of the waters of Baptism,
that make an end of sin and a new
beginning of goodness.”
• Water cleanses our sins away
• When the Great Flood came, it washed
away all of the sinful men and women
• Water gave new life in the covenant with
Noah
“You freed the children of Abraham from the
slavery of Pharaoh, bringing them dry-shod
through the waters of the Red Sea, to be an
image of the people set free in Baptism.”
• Water can also serve as a physical barrier,
such as a sea or lake.
• The Red sea separated God’s Chosen
People from the Promised Land
– It was only by passing through the waters that
they were admitted to the Promised Land, and
so, we too must pass through the waters to go
to the Promised Land
 Christ’s Baptism
• Jesus’ Baptism fulfills all of the Old
Testament prefigurations
– He was baptized by John the Baptist
– After His resurrection, he told his disciples to
"Go therefore and make disciples of all nations,
baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the
Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe
all that I have commanded you." (Mt 28:19-20)
 Christ’s Baptism (cont.)
• Jesus willingly submitted to His Baptism by John
the Baptist.
• The dove that descended upon him represented
a ‘new creation’
• At the His Final Supper, he said that they (the
Disciples) were to now be baptized in the blood
and water from his side.
• Therefore, we are born into ‘New Life” through
Jesus.
 Baptism in the Church
• "Repent, and be baptized every one of you
in the name of Jesus Christ for the
forgiveness of your sins; and you shall
receive the gift of the Holy Spirit."
• According to the Apostle Paul, the believer
enters through Baptism into communion
with Christ's death, is buried with him, and
rises with him
 "The word is brought to the
material element, and it becomes
a sacrament."
• Water, with it’s life-giving effects, is an
‘imperishable seed’
• The ‘seed’ is growth of the individual in
their faith, through Jesus
BAPTISM IN THE ECONOMY
OF SALVATION

How the Sacrament is

Celebrated
 Christian Initiation
• Certain essential elements will always
have to be present to be baptized,
– Proclamation of the Word,
– Acceptance of the Gospel entailing
conversion,
– Profession of faith,
– Baptism itself,
– The outpouring of the Holy Spirit,
– And admission to Eucharistic communion.
 Changes Through Time
• In the first centuries of the Church,
Christian initiation saw considerable
development.
• A long period of catechumenate included a
series of preparatory rites, which were
liturgical landmarks along the path of
catechumenal preparation and culminated
in the celebration of the sacraments of
Christian initiation.
 Concerning Infant Baptisms
• The Church considers it acceptable to
baptize a child, so long as the child is
taught the faith
• This both leads to and requires the
sacrament of Confirmation
– Confirmation seals the Baptism and brings us
into the fullness of Baptism itself
 Rite of Christian Initiation of
Adults
• When an adult is baptized, there are
considered to be at an age of reason
• By accepting Baptism, they also accept the
sacraments of Eucharist and Confirmation
• They are also made ready for the
sacrament of Reconciliation
 The mystagogy of the
Celebration
• The meaning and grace of the sacrament
of Baptism are clearly seen in the rites of
its celebration. By following the gestures
and words of this celebration with attentive
participation, the faithful are initiated into
the riches this sacrament signifies and
actually brings about in each newly
baptized person.
 The sign of the cross marks the imprint of
Christ, and as the One who is going to belong to
him is in the grace of the redemption Christ
won for us.
• The proclamation of the Word of God
enlightens the candidates and the
assembly with the revealed truth and elicits
the response of faith, which is inseparable
from Baptism. Indeed Baptism is "the
sacrament of faith" in a particular way,
since it is the sacramental entry into the
life of faith.
“Since Baptism signifies liberation from
sin and from its instigator the devil, one
or more exorcisms are pronounced over
the candidate.”
• Celebrant anoints the catechumen with oil,
lays his hands on his head, and renounces
Satan
– This prepares the catechumen to profess the
faith in which he or she will be entrusted
through Baptism
 “The Church asks God that through his
Son the power of the Holy Spirit may be
sent upon the water…”
• The epiclesis is a blessing set upon the
water, making it holy and ready for
Baptism
• The Priest calls upon the Holy Spirit to
consecrate the water
 “The essential rite of the sacrament
follows: Baptism properly speaking.”

• Signifies and brings about death to sin and

entry into new life through Christ’s death
and resurrection
• The triple immersion into the baptismal
water signifies the Most Holy Trinity
• It has also been conferred by the pouring
of the water over the candidate’s head
three times
 “I baptize you in the name of the Father,
and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.”

• In the Latin Church the triple infusion above.

• In the Eastern Church, the congregation turns to
the east and the priest says, “The servant of
God, N., is baptized in the name of the Father,
and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.”
• The priest then calls for the invocation of all the
members of the Holy Trinity as he immerses the
candidate three times ( don’t worry, he raises
them up again)
 “The anointing with sacred chrism…
signifies the gift of the Holy Spirit to the
newly baptized, who has become a
Christian…”
• The candidate then becomes “anointed” in
the Holy Spirit and incorporated in Christ
• In the Eastern Church, both Baptism and
Confirmation are administered at the same
time with the post-baptismal anointing
• In the Roman Church (Our Church) the
post baptismal anointing is an
announcement given by the bishop
“The white garment symbolizes that the
person baptized has "put on Christ,“ has
risen with Christ”
• The candle symbolizes an enlightened
neophyte.
– Neophyte roughly means novice or person
newly baptized
 "Let the children come to me,
do not hinder them."
• A child must be baptized in order to
receive their First Communion,
• An having been ‘clothed in the wedding
garment’ or purity of baptism, they are
prepared for baptism.
 “At the Baptism of newborns
the blessing of the mother
occupies a special place.”
• Communion is obtained at an age of
reason
• The baptism concludes at the solemn
blessing
BAPTISM IN THE ECONOMY
OF SALVATION

Who Can Receive

Baptism?
 "Every person not yet baptized
and only such a person is able
to be baptized."
• Only those whom have not been baptized
can be baptized.
• In other words, anyone whom has not
already been baptized is eligible
 Baptism of Adults
• Since the beginning of the Church, it has
been tradition to be baptized before
receiving other sacraments
• Receiving Baptism both allows and
requires you to receive the sacraments
that follow Baptism
 “The catechumenate, or formation
of catechumens, aims at bringing
their conversion and faith to
maturity…”
• Catechumens are properly initiated into the
mystery of salvation and evangelical
virtues
• They are introduced to faith, liturgy, and
charity
 "With love and solicitude mother
Church already embraces them as
her own."
• Catechumens are already joined to the
Church, the House of Christ.
• They then live a life of faith, hope, and
charity
 Baptism of Infants
• The sheer gratuitousness of the grace of
salvation is particularly manifest in infant
Baptism.
• Infant Baptism free the child form the
burden of original sin, as explained in our
Pretext
 “This practice also accords with
their role as nurturers of the life
that God has entrusted to them.”
• By the parent taking their child to Baptism,
they fulfill their duty to care for their child
• They nurture their child spiritually
“The practice of infant Baptism
is an immemorial tradition of
the Church.”
• When “households” receive Baptism, that
implies that the child, too, must receive
Baptism.
• And so, the tradition has bee carried out
form the second century onward.
 Faith And Baptism
• Baptism is the sacrament of faith.
• The Sacrament mean nothing without
belief
• The faith required for Baptism is not a
perfect and mature faith, yet it must be
developed over time
“For all the baptized, children or
adults, faith must grow after
Baptism.’
• Each year the Church celebrates the
Easter Vigil with the renewal of baptismal
promises
• Baptism is the source of new life in Christ
 “For the grace of Baptism to
unfold, the parents' help is
important.”
• Along with the help required from the
parents, the assistance of the godparents
is vital
• It is necessary that they are able to help
the newly baptized person along the road
of Christian life
• The community is also responsible
 Who Can Baptize?
• Bishop, priests, and deacons of the Latin
Church
• In times of need, anyone, even a non-
baptized person, can perform the Baptism
with required intention
 The Necessity of Baptism
• Baptism is a necessity for salvation for
those to whom the Gospel has been
proclaimed
• The Lord commands his followers to
spread the Gospel and to baptize
• Baptism is the only way the Church knows
to gain Salvation
 Baptism of Blood
• The Church has found that those who die
for the Church’s sake, without Baptism, are
still saved by their dying for Christ’s sake
 “For catechumens who die
before their Baptism …”
• For those willing to receive the sacrament,
yet restricted form doing so, their will to do
so has led them to receive Baptism, even
though it was not physically received
 "Since Christ died for all, and since
all men are in fact called to one and
the same destiny, which is divine…”
• Through Christ’s death, we are called to
live in Heaven
• We are then called to do all in our power to
gain salvation, including Baptism
“Indeed, the great mercy of God
who desires that all men should
be saved…”
• In regards to children that die before
receiving Baptism, They are considered to
be at the mercy of God
TH E GRA CE OF
BAPT IS M

For the forgiveness of

sins…
 “The different effects of Baptism are
signified by the perceptible elements of
the sacramental rite.”

• The water symbolizes both death and purification

as well as regeneration and renewal
• Because of this, sins are forgiven and new life
begins
“By Baptism all sins are forgiven, original
sin and all personal sins, as well as all
punishment for sin.”
• Since the baptized is reborn, nothing is left in him
that could interfere their entry into the Kingdom
of God
• Original sin and all other sins as well as
punishment for sins no longer exist
• FYI: The worst punishment for sin is separation
from God
 “…certain temporal
consequences of sin remain in
the baptized…”
• These consequences include
– Suffering
– Death
– Flaws in character
– Concupiscence ( basically temptation )
• The church describes concupiscence as “the tinder for
sin”
• One must compete with concupiscence (with the help of
Jesus Christ) in order to be granted eternal salvation
– An analogy from the Catechism: "an athlete is not crowned
unless he competes according to the rules."
TH E GRA CE OF
BAPT IS M

“A new creature”
 “Baptism not only purifies from all sins,
but also makes the neophyte ‘a new
creature,’…”
• The neophyte becomes a “new creature” and
adopted child of God
• As a result he becomes a co-heir with Christ
• Also becomes a temple of the Holy Spirit
 “Most Holy Trinity gives the baptized
sanctifying grace, the grace of
justification”
• Neophyte can now believe in God, trust in
him and love him through theological
virtues
• He can live and act under the prompting
and gifts of the Holy Spirit
• Able to grow in goodness through moral
virtues
• The entire spiritual life of the Christian is
based on Baptism
TH E GRA CE OF
BAPT IS M

Incorporated in the
church, the Body of
Christ
“Baptism makes us members of the Body
of Christ: "Therefore . . . we are members
one of another.’”
• Baptism makes us part of the church
• In Baptism, the “People of the new
Covenant” is born
• Baptism transcends all races, sexes, and
cultures
• "For by one Spirit we were all baptized into
one body."
 “The baptized have become ‘living
stones’ to be ‘built into a spiritual house,
to be a holy priesthood.’”
• In Baptism we share in the priesthood of Christ
• “They are ‘a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a
holy nation, God's own people…’”
• Through baptism we are called to spread the
word of God through both deed and word
• “Baptism gives a share in the common
priesthood of all believers”
 “Having become a member of the Church,
the person baptized belongs no longer to
himself, but to him who died and rose for
us.”
• The baptized must now obey others especially leaders of
the church and serve others through the communion with
the Church.
• However, the neophyte is also entitled to all the rights of
the church upon Baptism
– These include
• Receiving other sacraments
• Being nourished by the Word of God and other spiritual resources
• The baptized must also profess his faith as well as
participate in the apostolic mission of the Church
TH E GRA CE OF
BAPT IS M

The sacramental
bond of the unity of
Christians
 “Baptism constitutes the foundation of
communion among all Christians,
including those who are not yet in full
communion with the Catholic Church”
• The Baptized Christians who do not belong to the
Catholic faith are justified through their faith in Jesus
• They have the right to be called Christians
• Therefore, they are accepted as brothers of the
children of the Catholic Church
• "Baptism therefore constitutes the sacramental bond
of unity existing among all who through it are
reborn."
TH E GRA CE OF
BAPT IS M

An indelible spiritual
mark . . .
“Incorporated into Christ by Baptism, the
person baptized is configured to Christ”
• Baptism permanently seals the person into membership
with Christ
• No sin can take away this seal
• However, sin can still prevent one from receiving the
rewards of Baptism
• Baptism is given once and for all and can never be
repeated
• The Baptismal seal enables and commits one to
participate in the liturgy as well as “exercise their
baptismal priesthood by the witness of holy lives and
practical charity”
“Holy Spirit has marked us with the seal
of the Lord ("Dominicus character") ‘for
the day of redemption.’”
• Baptism is a seal of eternal life
• The faithful Christian who has "kept the
seal" until the end, remaining faithful to the
demands of his Baptism, will be able to
depart this life "marked with the sign of
faith," with his baptismal faith, in
expectation of the blessed vision of God -
the consummation of faith - and in the
hope of resurrection
• Thank you for your attention. We will now
proceed with a special surprise!
• After our surprise, we will close with some
more fun, followed by your questions
• Once again, thank you for you
cooperation.