THE SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM “If any man receive not Baptism, he hath not salvation; except Martyrs, who even without the water receive the Kingdom. For when the Savior, in redeeming the world by his Cross, was pierced in the side, he shed forth blood and water; that men, living in times of peace, might be baptized in water, and, in times of persecution, in their own blood.” ~~St. Cyril of Jerusalem

DEFINITION OF A SACRAMENT An outward sign, established and given to us by Christ, to give us sanctifying Grace. An outward sign of inward reality!

SACRAMENTS OF INITIATION  There are three (3) sacraments one must receive in order to become a full member of the Church: Baptism Eucharist Confirmation

SACRAMENTS OF SERVICE The two sacraments that help member s of the Church become holy through service are: Matrimony Holy Orders

SACRAMENTS OF HEALING  The other four (4) sacraments help members of the Church to be holy/acquire grace through other ways:  The Sacraments of Healing are: Reconciliation Anointing of the Sick

WHAT IS BAPTISM?  Baptism is the sacrament that makes us Christians, that is, sons/daughters of God, brothers and sisters in Jesus Christ, and temples of the Holy Spirit.  We become members of the Church—the body of Christ—”living stones”

 Water  Blessed  Poured over the head of the person asking for Baptism  Must be poured while saying the words of consecration  The words spoken by the priest or deacon  “I now Baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.”  Must be said while the water is poured—3 times! WHAT IS THE MATTER AND FORM OF BAPTISM? Matter Form

WHO IS THE MINISTER OF BAPTISM?  The priest—who is the representative for Christ—is the ordinary minister of this Sacrament  A deacon is allowed to Baptize  A lay person may baptize in an emergency—if death is imminent, and he has the intention of doing what the Church does.

 The possibility of salvation for those who have never been Baptized  Given to those who have died defending the Church and the teachings of Jesus Christ  Inspired by the heroic sacrifice of Christians  Given to those who are sorry for their sins  Who wish to cooperate with God’s Grace  May not have heard the “Good News”  May die while in the process of preparing for Baptism WHAT ARE THE OTHER TWO FORMS OF BAPTISM? Baptism by Blood Baptism by Desire

WHAT ARE THE EFFECTS OF BAPTISM?  To signify the person is consecrated to the Holy Trinity  To wash away original sin  To fill the soul with Sanctifying Grace (God’s life!)  To infuse the soul with the theological virtues of Faith (belief), Hope (trust in God), and Charity (love of God and neighbor)  Transforms the person into a child of God, brother/sister of Jesus Christ, and temple of the Holy Spirit  Leaves an indelible mark upon the soul  Gives us the right to receive the other sacraments—it is the “door” to all other sacraments.

RESPONSIBILITIES OF BAPTISM  Live a sacramental life (attend mass, receive the sacrament of penance and the Eucharist at Eastertime, get married in the Church…)  Obey the Church’s teaching (find out the teachings, accept them, act upon them)  Read Scripture: our family’s history, God’s word to us  Attend mass on Sundays and Holy Days  Lead a life of prayer  Stay in a state of Grace: live the moral life, sacramental life, perform works of mercy

SIGNS AND SYMBOLS OF BAPTISM  Water: Washing away of sins  Chrism Oil: signifies that the baptized shares in the triple office of priest, prophet and king; the outward sign of the “indelible mark”  White cloth: purity of soul after Baptism  Candle: Christ is the true LIGHT of the World—forever and ever! (candle may have the symbol of the Alpha and Omega on it!)  Godparents: support the parents in raising the child in the Faith  Exorcism: to destroy the power of Satan