The Sacrament of Baptism: The Sacrament which gives us new life, forgives all sin and makes us adopted children of God.

Baptism is necessary for salvation. In this sacrament, one becomes a new creation in Christ and a member of His Church.

Eucharist and Confirmation Background Baptism is the foundation for the whole Christian existence. Sacrament of Initiation!!! It is the gateway into life of the Holy Spirit, and it gives us access to the other sacraments. Eucharist and Confirmation In Baptism, we are freed from all sin, including original sin. It is through Baptism, that we truly become a “Christian.”

Jesus and Baptism He begins His public life through baptism. Jesus allowed Himself to be baptized by St. John, not only out of humility, but also as an example for us. Jesus’ last instruction to His apostles after the resurrection was to baptize. So, the Church carries on this mission of the apostles when she baptizes. As the Holy Spirit rested upon Jesus at His baptism, so too does the Spirit come to us in our baptisms. As the Father called Jesus His beloved Son, so too do we affirm God as our Father in Baptism. We become CHILDREN of GOD! In His Passion and death, Christ opened to all people the fountain of baptism. “See where you are baptized, see where Baptism comes from, if not from the cross of Christ, from his death. There is the whole mystery: he died for you. In him you are redeemed, in him you are saved.” - St. Ambrose

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 How are we baptized into the death of Christ? Through the suffering, sacrifice that comes with being Christian; our Baptism is a "death" to sin and birth into new life.

A Sacrament of Faith “He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.” Mark 16:16 Baptism is a sacrament of faith. In order to be baptized, one must have faith, at least the beginning of a development of faith. In fact, during the Baptismal rite, the person to be baptized, or the godparent if the person is an infant, is asked, “What do you ask of God’s Church.” Their reply is “Faith!” For both children and adults being baptized, faith must continue to grow after Baptism. It is for this reason that the faithful of the Church renew their Baptismal promises every Easter.

The Baptismal Vows Renunciation of Sin Do you reject sin, so as to live in the freedom of God's Children? I do. Do you reject the glamour of evil, and refuse to be mastered by sin? I do. Do you reject Satan, father of sin and prince of darkness? I do. Profession of Faith Do you believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth? I do. Do you believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was born of the Virgin Mary, was crucified, died, and was buried, rose from the dead, and is now seated at the right had of the Father? I do. Do you believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting? I do. This is our faith. This is the faith of the Church. We are proud to profess it, in Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen.

Who? Who can be baptized? Who can baptize? Anyone (adults, children, infants) Because we are born with a fallen nature, tainted by original sin, even the newly born are in need of Baptism. Their parents and godparents make an act of faith on behalf of them, and they grow in this faith. Who can baptize? The usual ministers of baptism are bishops, priests, and deacons. However, anyone can baptize in extreme circumstances. One must use the proper baptismal words: "In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit."

Requirements for reception For Infants: Faith of parents and godparents (sponsors) with the expectation that the child will be raised in the practice of the Catholic faith. Infants are Baptized because of the faith of their parents. Mother Church wants what is best for her children…from the beginning!

For older children and adults: Adequate preparation and profession of faith in the Trinitarian creed The presence of a sponsor

The Effects 1. Sins (original and personal) are washed away 2. It is made possible for us to share in eternal salvation. 3. We become adopted Children of God. 4. We become members of the Church, the Body of Christ 5. We receive grace from the Holy Spirit to live as a follower of Jesus and a member of the Church New birth in the Holy Spirit - The baptized person receives the supernatural theological virtues: faith, hope and love.

Essential Elements (Matter and Form) of the Sacrament 1. Pouring of Water 2. Saying the words of the formula… …I baptize you in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Other Elements include: Oil of Catechumens Chrism Candle White Garment

Implications A Baptized individual is guaranteed the lifelong help of the Holy Spirit! One makes a life-long commitment to God, to His Church and to the Faith entrusted to the Church by Christ. One is welcomed into the priesthood of the faithful and promises to dedicate his life as an offering to God.

Baptism leaves an indelible mark on one's soul The 3 sacraments Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Orders all leave an indelible—that is, impossible to remove—seal upon one’s soul. The indelible mark of Baptism is: a. a life long distinguishing mark (Distinguishes a Christian from a non Christian, a member of the Church from a non-member of the Church) b. a mark of responsibility (Because we are incorporated into the royal priesthood of Jesus, we must offer spiritual sacrifices pleasing to the Father.) c. a mark of configuration (we are conformed to Christ, which disposes us to receive other graces)

The Importance… Baptism is a necessity! Jesus tells us: "Truly, truly I say to you, unless one is born of water of the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God." John 3:6 But what if someone leads a good life, but he never hears about Baptism? Does this mean he can't go to heaven? Baptism is only necessary for those who have heard the Gospel message and who have the possibility for asking for the sacrament. Even though God has bound salvation to sacraments, He and His mercy are not bound to the sacraments. (We will be held responsible for the truth revealed to us!!)

Specifically… 1. Baptism by blood: those who die for the sake of faith without receiving the sacrament of Baptism are baptized through their martyrdom for Christ. (CCC 1258) 2. Catechumens: if someone who has an explicit desire to receive Baptism and is repentant of his sins is assured the salvation through the sacrament they were unable to receive. (CCC 1259) 3. Those who would have desired Baptism explicitly if they had known its necessity: “Every man who is ignorant of the Gospel of Christ and of his Church, but seeks the truth and does the will of God in accordance with his understanding of it can be saved.” (CCC 1260) 4. Children who have died without Baptism: We can only entrust them to the mercy of God, with confidence in His saving power and Jesus’ tenderness toward children: “Let the children come to me, do not hinder them.” Mark 10:14 (CCC 1261)