1. Baptism
“But we, little fishes (pisculi), after the example of our Fish (ΙΧΘΥΣ), Jesus Christ, are born in water.” (Tertullian)

2. Prefigured in Old Covenant
Spirit over the Waters at Creation
Noah and the Flood
Crossing of the Red Sea
Crossing River Jordan

3. “Outward Sign… Recipient Matter Form Minister Any unbaptized person
Water
Form
“I baptize you in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”
Minister
Ordinary: bishop, priest
Extraordinary: deacon, anyone with proper intent

4. “… Instituted by Christ…
Baptism of Christ
Chief paradigm for the Sacraments
Mt 3:11-17; Mk 1:8-13; Lk 3:15-22; Jn 1:24-34
Great Commission
Mt 28: 16-20
Obeyed quickly in Early 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’” (Acts 2:38)

5. “…To Give Grace” (Effects)
Forgiveness of all sin, including original and actual, as well as their punishment
Birth into new life in Christ, becoming children of God and temple of Holy Spirit
Confers grace and virtues through which we are justified and may grow in holiness
Initiated as member of Church, in unity with all Christians, as priest, prophet, king
Marked with indelible character

6. Paschal Mystery Old Man and New Man – Romans 6:1-14
The baptismal font is “Tomb and Womb”
“We are buried with Christ in baptism so we may rise again with him.” (St. Gregory Nazianzen)
“For just as our Savior spent three days and nights in the hollow bosom of the earth, so you upon first emerging were representing Christ’s day in the earth, and by your immersion his first night… In one and the same action you died and were born.” (St. Cyril of Jerusalem)

7. A word about oils
Sacred Chrism – Bapt & Confirm & Holy Orders – sign of richness of what God gives us, lasting effect, Odor of Christ – St. Paul
Oil of the Catechumens – strengthening in prep for receiving sacrament of bapt.
Oil of the Sick - healing

8. Other Symbols White garment – risen with Christ
Candle lit from the Easter candle – all baptized are to be the light of the world

9. RCIA - Baptism Leading up to Easter Vigil
Anointing with oil of catechumens and prayer of exorcism
Rite of Election – enrollment of names
Ephphetha Rite (blessing of ears and mouth)
At the Easter Vigil itself
Litany of the Saints
Prayer over water
Renunciation of Sin and Profession of Faith

10. RCIA – Baptism Baptism itself – immersion or pouring
(Anointing with Chrism)
Clothing with white garment
Presentation of lighted candle
(Rites continue with Confirmation and Reception of Eucharist)

11. “People were bringing even infants to Him that He might touch them, and when the disciples saw this, they rebuked them. Jesus, however, called the children to himself and said, ‘Let the children come to me and do not prevent them; for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.’”(Luke 18:15-16)

12. Rite of Baptism for Children
Much is the same, but there are adaptations:
Reception of the children asks questions of parents, and reminds them of their commitment
Prayer of exorcism references only original sin and strengthening them for their whole lives
Parents and Godparents make promises for the child’s sake and are entrusted with the child’s upbringing in the Church

13. FAQs about infant baptism:
Why did the Church change its mind and focus more on infant baptism? (Acts 16:25- 34)
Can the parents and godparents make these promises on behalf of the child?
Are they forcing their will on the child and his/her beliefs?
Does an infant need to be baptized? They haven’t sinned.
What happens to babies if they die before they are baptized?
2) Yes. They promise that they will be there to model, teach, and support the child and help the grace received in baptism to grow in the life of the child by sharing and witnessing the faith.
3) They are not forcing their will, they are giving a priceless gift of grace and becoming a child of God.
4) The stain of original sin
5) The Church does NOT teach the idea/belief of limbo.

14. Sacrament of Salvation
Is Baptism necessary for salvation?
“I solemnly assure you, no one can enter into God’s kingdom without being begotten of water and Spirit” (John 3:5)
“The man who believes in [the good news] and accepts Baptism will be saved; the man who refuses to believe in it will be condemned” (Mark 16:16)
“God has bound salvation to the Sacrament of Baptism, but He Himself is not bound by His sacraments” (CCC 1257)