DOMINICAN COLLEGE OF TARLAC

COLLEGE OF EDUCATION
Bachelor of Elementary Education
1st Semester | Prelims
THEO 22: SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM

4. THE INSTITUTION OF BAPTISM

When Did Jesus Institute the Sacrament of Baptism?

 Jesus instituted the sacrament of baptism before the ascension, when he announced
the missionary mandate to his apostles:

 “Go, therefore, make disciples of all the nations; baptize them in the name of the
father and of the son and of the holy spirit, teaching them to observe all that I
commanded you” (Matthew 28:19-20).

5. THE INSTITUTION OF BAPTISM

Is Baptism Necessary for Salvation?

 Since Christ’s resurrection, baptism is essential for salvation, as he declared: “unless

a man is born through water and spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God” (John 3: 5).
Fairly, there are three kinds of Baptism:

SACRAMENTAL BAPTISM: It is acquired by those who receive the Sacrament of Baptism in the
1.
Catholic Church; all efforts must be done to baptize as many persons as possible.

BAPTISM OF BLOOD: It is received by the catechumens who died as martyrs; or to the non-
2.
baptized who suffer death for the sake of Christ; such as the Holy Infants of Bethlehem.

BAPTISM OF DESIRE: It is granted to those who followed God’s will written in their conscience
3.
but, without any fault of their own, never heard of Christ and of his Church.
7. THE INSTITUTION OF BAPTISM
What Are the Three Graces Conferred by Baptism?

 FORGIVENESS OF THE ORIGINAL SIN: Baptism remits the Original Sin’s eternal punishment,
which is the damnation to Hell; but does not remove the concupiscence, or Man’s inclination to evil.

 ADOPTION AS GOD’S CHILDREN: Through Baptism we are reborn as God’s adopted children;
as St. Paul said: “You have received the Spirit of sons, and it makes us cry out: ‘Abba, Father!’

(Romans 8:15).

 INCORPORATION IN THE CHURCH: Baptism makes us members of the Church; as St. Paul said:
“Your bodies are members making up the body of Christ” (1 Corinthians 6:15).

8. THE INSTITUTION OF BAPTISM

What Is the Character of Baptism?

 The baptismal character is the spiritual and indelible seal impressed upon the soul by
the anointing with chrism, which consecrates the neophytes to Christ.

 Being permanent, the three sacraments imparting the character can neither be repeated
nor deleted.

 The character of baptism makes us members of the church; that of confirmation,

soldiers of Christ; and the one of ordination, shepherds of his flock.

9. THE INSTITUTION OF BAPTISM

What Are the Four Basic Requirements for the Reception of Baptism?

 In order to be baptized, a catechumen must accept The Four Basic Pillars of

Christianity, namely:

10. THE INSTITUTION OF BAPTISM

What Is the Difference between Infant and Adult Baptism?
  INFANT BAPTISM: It is given to children before the age of reason; being unable to comply with the
Four Basic Requirements, they are baptized in the faith of the Church, with the assistance and the good

example of parents and godparents.

 ADULT BAPTISM: It is given to candidates seven years old and above, and must be prepared by the
Catechumenate; unless there is a serious reason to the contrary, it should be immediately followed by

Confirmation and First Communion.

11. THE INSTITUTION OF BAPTISM

What Is the Catechumenate?

 The catechumenate is a period of initiation to the church’s faith, morals, liturgy and
prayer, in preparation for baptism, confirmation and Eucharist.

 From the Greek word “Katecheo”, meaning, “to teach by word of mouth,” there came
the following terms:
catechumenate:
the period of initiation;
catechumen:
the person initiated;
catechist:
the person instructing;
catechesis:
the lesson imparted;
catechism:
the catechizing book.

13. THE MINISTER OF BAPTISM

Who Is the Minister of Baptism?
  ORDINARY MINISTER: The Ordinary Minister is a Clergy; either a Deacon, Priest, or Bishop. The
Parish Priest has the obligation to prepare the families of the catechumens, for the reception of this

sublime Sacrament.

 EXTRAORDINARY MINISTER: The Extraordinary Minister of Baptism, who can baptize only in
emergency cases, such as in danger of death, is any person who intends to baptize according to the

intention of the Church.

14. THE MATTER OF BAPTISM

What Is the Matter of Baptism?

 The matter of baptism is real and natural water; it can be fresh water from rivers,
salty water from the sea, or marshy water from ponds and wells.

15. THE MATTER OF BAPTISM

Is the Holy Chrism also Matter of Baptism?

 The holy chrism is considered as added matter, meaning, it is important but not
essential for the validity of the sacrament. A mixture of olive oil and balsam, it is
consecrated by the bishop during the chrism mass.

 The Greek term “Christos”, or messiah in hebrew, means “anointed:” hence, we are
Christians because we are anointed, or consecrated, to the lord.

16. THE MATTER OF BAPTISM

What Are the Baptismal Font and the Baptistery?

 THE BAPTISMAL FONT: It is the Church furniture where the catechumens are baptized: it consists
of a pedestal and a basin; or of a larger pool, for Baptism by immersion.

 THE BAPTISTERY: It is the sacred ambience where Baptism takes place: its architectural splendor
cannot be underestimated, since it reflects the importance of Baptism.

17. THE FORM OF BAPTISM

What Is the Form of Baptism?

 The form of baptism consists in these words: “I baptize you in the name of the father,
and of the son, and of the Holy Spirit.”

 The Trinitarian formula, and the intention of baptizing that particular person, are
essential to the validity of the sacrament, but not the name of the catechumen; although it
should be mentioned.

18. THE FORM OF BAPTISM

Should Baptism Be Done by Immersion or Pouring?

 BAPTISM BY IMMERSION: It is the preferable manner of Baptism: first, because it imitates the
Baptism of Jesus in the Jordan; second, because it clearly represents the catechumen’s regeneration in

the Spirit.

 BAPTISM BY POURING: The alternative manner of Baptism is by pouring, intended as a threefold

affusion of water on the catechumen’s head. For practical purposes, it became the common practice in

the Church.

19. THE FORM OF BAPTISM

What Is the Significance of the Paschal Candle?

 The paschal candle, placed beside the baptismal font, signifies Christ's resurrection.

 It displays four symbols: the cross, recalling the redeeming passion of Christ; the five
grains of incense, symbolizing Jesus' five wounds; the alpha and omega, the first and
last letter of the Greek alphabet, signifying Christ as the beginning and the end of history
(cf. Revelation 22:3); the current year, indicating god’s presence in our times.

20. THE FORM OF BAPTISM

What Is the Meaning of the White Robe?

 The white robe, which the neophytes wear after the anointing with chrism, signifies the
new life in the spirit.

 The neophytes pledge to keep the white robe unstained till death. Were they to commit
mortal sins thereafter, only the sacrament of penance could restore the state of grace.

21. THE FORM OF BAPTISM

What Is a Christian Name?

 The Christian name is the one we receive at baptism, which should identify our mission
and inspiration in life. It should not be foreign to Christian sentiments: be that of a saint,
of a holy person in the bible, or of a Christian virtue.

 The Latin maxim, “nomen est omen”, meaning, “in the name is the destiny,” is well
seen in Christopher Columbus: since his name meant, Christ-bearer, he was the first one
who planted the cross of Christ into the new world.

22. THE FORM OF BAPTISM

What Are the Responsibilities of Godparents?

 The godparents have the sacred duties of educating their godchildren in the Christian
faith, and guarding them sins and vices.

 They must be two, a man and a woman, Catholics of good standing, 16 years old or
above, who have received the sacraments of baptism, confirmation, and first communion.

 The so-called secondary sponsors, that are traditionally added to the godparents, might
be exempted from some of the requirements.

23. THE FORM OF BAPTISM

When and Where Should Baptism Be Celebrated?

 The sacrament of baptism should be celebrated as soon as possible after birth,

without undue delay: first, to bestow on the child the grace of baptism; second, to avert
the danger of dying unbaptized.

 Baptism can be celebrated any day of the year, either together with other children
or individually; nevertheless, it is recommended on Sundays, which is the day of the
lord; or, if possible, at the Easter vigil.

 Baptism should be celebrated in the parish of residence; if, for a just cause, the
parents choose another church, they should obtain a permit from their own parish.

 The documents required for baptism are:

1) the child’s birth certificate;
2) the parents’ marriage contract, whenever possible.

DOMINICAN COLLEGE OF TARLAC

COLLEGE OF EDUCATION
 Bachelor of Elementary Education
1st Semester | Prelims
THEO 22: SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM

4. THE INSTITUTION OF BAPTISM

When Did Jesus Institute the Sacrament of Baptism?

 Jesus instituted the sacrament of baptism before the ascension, when he announced
the missionary mandate to his apostles:

 “Go, therefore, make disciples of all the nations; baptize them in the name of the
father and of the son and of the holy spirit, teaching them to observe all that I
commanded you” (Matthew 28:19-20).

5. THE INSTITUTION OF BAPTISM

Is Baptism Necessary for Salvation?

 Since Christ’s resurrection, baptism is essential for salvation, as he declared: “unless

a man is born through water and spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God” (John 3: 5).
Fairly, there are three kinds of Baptism:

SACRAMENTAL BAPTISM: It is acquired by those who receive the Sacrament of Baptism in the
4.
Catholic Church; all efforts must be done to baptize as many persons as possible.

BAPTISM OF BLOOD: It is received by the catechumens who died as martyrs; or to the non-
5.
baptized who suffer death for the sake of Christ; such as the Holy Infants of Bethlehem.

BAPTISM OF DESIRE: It is granted to those who followed God’s will written in their conscience
6.
but, without any fault of their own, never heard of Christ and of his Church.

7. THE INSTITUTION OF BAPTISM

What Are the Three Graces Conferred by Baptism?
  FORGIVENESS OF THE ORIGINAL SIN: Baptism remits the Original Sin’s eternal punishment,
which is the damnation to Hell; but does not remove the concupiscence, or Man’s inclination to evil.

 ADOPTION AS GOD’S CHILDREN: Through Baptism we are reborn as God’s adopted children;
as St. Paul said: “You have received the Spirit of sons, and it makes us cry out: ‘Abba, Father!’

(Romans 8:15).

 INCORPORATION IN THE CHURCH: Baptism makes us members of the Church; as St. Paul said:
“Your bodies are members making up the body of Christ” (1 Corinthians 6:15).

8. THE INSTITUTION OF BAPTISM

What Is the Character of Baptism?

 The baptismal character is the spiritual and indelible seal impressed upon the soul by
the anointing with chrism, which consecrates the neophytes to Christ.

 Being permanent, the three sacraments imparting the character can neither be repeated
nor deleted.

 The character of baptism makes us members of the church; that of confirmation,

soldiers of Christ; and the one of ordination, shepherds of his flock.

9. THE INSTITUTION OF BAPTISM

What Are the Four Basic Requirements for the Reception of Baptism?

 In order to be baptized, a catechumen must accept The Four Basic Pillars of

Christianity, namely:

10. THE INSTITUTION OF BAPTISM

What Is the Difference between Infant and Adult Baptism?
  INFANT BAPTISM: It is given to children before the age of reason; being unable to comply with the
Four Basic Requirements, they are baptized in the faith of the Church, with the assistance and the good

example of parents and godparents.

 ADULT BAPTISM: It is given to candidates seven years old and above, and must be prepared by the
Catechumenate; unless there is a serious reason to the contrary, it should be immediately followed by

Confirmation and First Communion.

11. THE INSTITUTION OF BAPTISM

What Is the Catechumenate?

 The catechumenate is a period of initiation to the church’s faith, morals, liturgy and
prayer, in preparation for baptism, confirmation and Eucharist.

 From the Greek word “Katecheo”, meaning, “to teach by word of mouth,” there came
the following terms:
catechumenate:
the period of initiation;
catechumen:
the person initiated;
catechist:
the person instructing;
catechesis:
the lesson imparted;
catechism:
the catechizing book.

13. THE MINISTER OF BAPTISM

Who Is the Minister of Baptism?
  ORDINARY MINISTER: The Ordinary Minister is a Clergy; either a Deacon, Priest, or Bishop. The
Parish Priest has the obligation to prepare the families of the catechumens, for the reception of this

sublime Sacrament.

 EXTRAORDINARY MINISTER: The Extraordinary Minister of Baptism, who can baptize only in
emergency cases, such as in danger of death, is any person who intends to baptize according to the

intention of the Church.

14. THE MATTER OF BAPTISM

What Is the Matter of Baptism?

 The matter of baptism is real and natural water; it can be fresh water from rivers,
salty water from the sea, or marshy water from ponds and wells.

15. THE MATTER OF BAPTISM

Is the Holy Chrism also Matter of Baptism?

 The holy chrism is considered as added matter, meaning, it is important but not
essential for the validity of the sacrament. A mixture of olive oil and balsam, it is
consecrated by the bishop during the chrism mass.

 The Greek term “Christos”, or messiah in hebrew, means “anointed:” hence, we are
Christians because we are anointed, or consecrated, to the lord.

16. THE MATTER OF BAPTISM

What Are the Baptismal Font and the Baptistery?

 THE BAPTISMAL FONT: It is the Church furniture where the catechumens are baptized: it consists
of a pedestal and a basin; or of a larger pool, for Baptism by immersion.

 THE BAPTISTERY: It is the sacred ambience where Baptism takes place: its architectural splendor
cannot be underestimated, since it reflects the importance of Baptism.

17. THE FORM OF BAPTISM

What Is the Form of Baptism?

 The form of baptism consists in these words: “I baptize you in the name of the father,
and of the son, and of the Holy Spirit.”

 The Trinitarian formula, and the intention of baptizing that particular person, are
essential to the validity of the sacrament, but not the name of the catechumen; although it
should be mentioned.

18. THE FORM OF BAPTISM

Should Baptism Be Done by Immersion or Pouring?

 BAPTISM BY IMMERSION: It is the preferable manner of Baptism: first, because it imitates the
Baptism of Jesus in the Jordan; second, because it clearly represents the catechumen’s regeneration in

the Spirit.

 BAPTISM BY POURING: The alternative manner of Baptism is by pouring, intended as a threefold

affusion of water on the catechumen’s head. For practical purposes, it became the common practice in

the Church.

19. THE FORM OF BAPTISM

What Is the Significance of the Paschal Candle?

 The paschal candle, placed beside the baptismal font, signifies Christ's resurrection.

 It displays four symbols: the cross, recalling the redeeming passion of Christ; the five
grains of incense, symbolizing Jesus' five wounds; the alpha and omega, the first and
last letter of the Greek alphabet, signifying Christ as the beginning and the end of history
(cf. Revelation 22:3); the current year, indicating god’s presence in our times.

20. THE FORM OF BAPTISM

What Is the Meaning of the White Robe?

 The white robe, which the neophytes wear after the anointing with chrism, signifies the
new life in the spirit.

 The neophytes pledge to keep the white robe unstained till death. Were they to commit
mortal sins thereafter, only the sacrament of penance could restore the state of grace.

21. THE FORM OF BAPTISM

What Is a Christian Name?

 The Christian name is the one we receive at baptism, which should identify our mission
and inspiration in life. It should not be foreign to Christian sentiments: be that of a saint,
of a holy person in the bible, or of a Christian virtue.

 The Latin maxim, “nomen est omen”, meaning, “in the name is the destiny,” is well
seen in Christopher Columbus: since his name meant, Christ-bearer, he was the first one
who planted the cross of Christ into the new world.

22. THE FORM OF BAPTISM

What Are the Responsibilities of Godparents?

 The godparents have the sacred duties of educating their godchildren in the Christian
faith, and guarding them sins and vices.

 They must be two, a man and a woman, Catholics of good standing, 16 years old or
above, who have received the sacraments of baptism, confirmation, and first communion.

 The so-called secondary sponsors, that are traditionally added to the godparents, might
be exempted from some of the requirements.

23. THE FORM OF BAPTISM

When and Where Should Baptism Be Celebrated?

 The sacrament of baptism should be celebrated as soon as possible after birth,

without undue delay: first, to bestow on the child the grace of baptism; second, to avert
the danger of dying unbaptized.

 Baptism can be celebrated any day of the year, either together with other children
or individually; nevertheless, it is recommended on Sundays, which is the day of the
lord; or, if possible, at the Easter vigil.

 Baptism should be celebrated in the parish of residence; if, for a just cause, the
parents choose another church, they should obtain a permit from their own parish.

 The documents required for baptism are:

1) the child’s birth certificate;
2) the parents’ marriage contract, whenever possible.