The Sacrament of Baptism Introduction Video

In Baptism we receive new life in Christ: Jesus’ Life and Ministry Jesus welcomed all people into his community of believers – reaching out to even those where were discriminated against and those who followed became a part of his community of disciples. After his death and Resurrection, before he returned to his Father in heaven, Jesus gave his Apostles the power to continue in his mission to make new disciples. “Go into the whole world and proclaim the gospel to every creature. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved” (Mark 16:15-16).

We are washed and anointed Baptism is necessary for salvation. What did Jesus mean when he said to Nicodemus, “No one can see the kingdom of God without being born from above…of water and spirit” (John 3:3, 5)? 3

We are washed and anointed Through the baptism we are cleansed with water and filled with the Holy Spirit. 4

We are washed and anointed Water cleanses us of our sin. In Jewish ritual, water was a symbol of salvation and purification from sin. Jewish people practiced a ritual of washing in water to prepare for sacred times or events. John the Baptist encouraged people to participate in this ritual washing, baptizing them in the waters of the Jordan River and urging them to prepare themselves for the coming of God’s Kingdom. 5

We are washed and anointed We are filled with the Holy Spirit. After Jesus’ Baptism, John the Baptist revealed that he “saw the Spirit come down like a dove from the sky and remain upon him (Jesus)” and explained, “The one who sent me to baptize with water told me, ‘On whomever you see the Spirit come down and remain, he is the one who will baptize with the holy Spirit.’ Now I have seen and testified that he is the Son of God” (John 1:32-34). The anointing of the Spirit made public that Jesus Christ is the Messiah, the Anointed One. Jesus’ relationship with God his Father was revealed, and God the Holy Spirit came upon Jesus, anointing him and establishing him as priest, prophet, and king. 6

We are washed and anointed It is in Baptism that sin, both original sin and personal sin, is taken away. The immersion into, or plunging into, water symbolizes that we die to sin and rise to new life in Christ – we are purified and renewed. We too are anointed, blessed with holy oil. Jesus calls us to share in his priesthood – priesthood of the faithful – where we can all participate in the liturgy, the Eucharist, in prayer, and in the offering of our lives to God. Jesus calls us as prophets – to proclaim the good news and give witness to his truth. Jesus calls us to kingship – asking us to respond to God’s love and to care for others, especially those who are poor and suffering. 7

We are washed and anointed Baptism is a sign of God’s love forever in our lives. At Baptism we are marked forever as belonging to Christ. Can never be erased – no matter what happens, we belong to Christ and the Church and therefore Baptism cannot be repeated. Once we are baptized, we are permanently marked with the sign of faith and have the hope of living in God’s love forever. 8

Christian Initiation into the Church Sacrament of Christian Initiation Baptism is the very first sacrament that we celebrate and is “the basis of the whole Christian life, the gateway to life in the Spirit…and the door which gives access to the other sacraments” (CCC, 1213). It is a sacrament that gives witness to the faith of the Church and is celebrated within the community of believers. 9

Signs, Symbols, Rites and Rituals Reception of the Children – the celebrant traces the sign of the cross on the child’s forehead with his thumb. It is a sign of the new life Christ has won for us. 10

Signs, Symbols, Rites and Rituals Liturgy of the Word – Readings from Scripture, petitions for help from the saints and cleansing from sin, followed by the celebrant anointing with the oil of catechumens. The oil represents a strengthening against evil and a cleansing from sin.

Signs, Symbols, Rites and Rituals The Celebration of the Sacrament – in front of witnesses, the celebrant blesses the baptismal water and baptizes the child in the water of the baptismal font or pool by pouring or immersing water over the child 3 times while saying “I baptize you in the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit.” The baptismal water cleanses away sin.

Signs, Symbols, Rites and Rituals Explanatory Rites – the celebrant anoints the child with chrism and gives the newly baptized with a white garment, and the child’s candle is lit from the Easter candle. Chrism is perfumed oil that has been blessed by the bishop and is a sign of the Gift of the Holy Spirit. The anointing signifies that the newly baptized person shares in the mission of Christ. The white garment symbolizes the purity of Christ and the universal call to holiness. The candle is a sign of the light and goodness of Christ and the light of faith shining in the newly baptized.

Signs, Symbols, Rites and Rituals Conclusion of the Rite – the family gathers with the celebrant near the altar for the Lord’s Prayer and a final blessing.

Homework Complete graphic organizer – use your copy of The Seven Sacraments of the Church excerpt from the CCC.