CHRISTIAN  INITIATION

Here may the waters of baptism
overwhelm the shame of sin;
here may your people die to sin
and live again through grace as your children.

How  is  Christian  initiation  brought  about ?

Christian initiation is accomplished by means of the sacraments which establish the foundations of Christian life. The faithful born anew by Baptism are strengthened by Confirmation and are then nourished by the Eucharist.  Compendium: Catechism of the Catholic Church, No. 251
 

 The  Sacrament  of Baptism

Baptism is initiation into the Christian community, the Body of Christ. Baptism cleanses the soul of the effects of original sin and any sins committed up to that time. The Holy Spirit enters the soul and makes it one with Christ. Poured water and spoken words signify “new birth,” the beginning of life with God and membership among the people of God.

This sacrament is primarily called Baptism because of the central rite with which it is celebrated. To baptize means “immerse” in water. The one who is baptized is immersed into the death of Christ and rises with him as a “new creature.“ (2 Corinthians 5:17)

This sacrament is also called the “bath of Regeneration and renewal in the Holy Spirit” (Titus 3:5) and it is called “enlightenment”, because the baptized becomes “a son or daughter of light” (Ephesians 5:8) Compendium: Catechism of the Catholic Church, No. 252
 

With Him as a “new creature“ (2Corinthians 5:17)

In Baptism we share in the cleansing renewal of Christ’s death and Resurrection. Baptism makes us new creations: the children of God. We assume new life from God, to live as members of the living faith community.

INFANT BAPTISM

Infants are baptized into the Universal, local (parish) domestic (family) Church. Infant Baptisms may be celebrated

• during the first weeks after birth
• In Church at Mass in the presence of the community
• In Church outside of the Mass.

Infant Baptism may be administered by anyone who is baptized at any time if there is danger of death.

Symbols of the Sacrament of Baptism

• Water: Symbolizes both life and death. As water can destroy, so in Baptism a person dies with Jesus. As Water can give life, so a person receives new life in the risen Christ.
• Anointing: With holy oils identifies the candidates with Jesus. The word “Christ” comes from Greek “Christos,” the “anointed one”. Oil of the Catechumenss, Oil of Chrism.
• The White garment: Symbolizes that the baptized person is clothed in the life of Christ.
• The Lighted candle: Symbolizes the light of Christ. It is the flame lit from the Paschal Candle, blessed at the Easter Vigil every year. It is the light of faith passed among believers.

The  Role  of  the  Parents

Parents are the primary teachers in a child’s life in ways of Catholic faith.

In the Baptismal celebration, Parents:

• Bless the child and mark them with the sign of faith
• Renounce sin
• Profess their own faith
• agree to raise their child in the Catholic Faith

In Daily living, parents:

• Set an example of a prayerful life and Christian living
• Show true Catholic devotion by fostering a spirit of kindness and forgiveness
• Give spiritual support: initiate, introduce and lead prayer in the family
• Provide for education in Catholic faith and belief .

The  Role  of  the  Sponsors

Sponsors take an active part in the life of the newly baptized person.

• Sponsors must be members of the Catholic Church. (for exceptions, talk with your pastor)
• They must be fully initiated (have received Baptism, Confirmation and the Eucharist)
• They must be practicing Catholics
• They must be mature enough to assume the responsibilities involved

In the Celebration of the Rite of Baptism, Sponsors:

• Help present the adult or infant to the Church
• They profess their own faith
• Renounce sin and evil in the name of the child being baptized
• They represent the entire faith community

In everyday life, sponsors:

• Help and support the new Catholic grow in Faith
• Try to live their own lives as examples and source of encouragement

The  Role  of  the  Church  Community 

provides an environment of love and forgiveness

• welcomes new members into the Church and an active Christian life
• Gives love and helps new members to grow in faith
• Participates in the rites of Baptism fully, joyfully and with understanding
• Reaffirms their own faith

The  Administration  of  Infant  Baptism

• Parents must call the All Souls’ Parish Office for information regarding requirements in order to schedule and make arrangements for Infant Baptism;
• Parents are urged to call the Parish office to begin to prepare for Baptism within a a few months after the child is born. It is advisable to plan from that time on. It is suggested to think of celebrating Baptism of their child in terms of three months from that time;
• The Parents are urged to choose sponsors who will teach and guide their child in the ways of Catholic faith. It is very important that sponsors chosen for the baptism are practicing Catholics. Either single or married in the canonical sense of the word. Anyone living with another person or in a civil marriage, and therefore without the benefit of the Sacrament of Matrimony is not qualified to be a sponsor;
• The Church expects that the parents and the sponsors attend the Pre-Baptismal orientation sessions, so that they are worthily prepared for this special sacramental encounter and celebration with their child. These sessions expand on the meaning of the rite and symbol;
• Pre-Baptismal oriental sessions are offered in English and in Spanish. They last approximately one hour
• It is expected that the parents requesting baptism for their children are registered in All Souls Parish and worship regularly in All Souls Parish.

ADULT BAPTISM

 Adults  are  baptized in a special  Rite. For Adults, Baptism is a process  consisting  of:

• Evangelization:  During this initial part of formation potential members are invited to learn about the faith. This period ends with the Rite of entry into the Catechumenate:
• Catechumenate: They receive formal instruction and are introduced to the faith community. This period ends with the Rite of Election
• Scrutinies and Enlightenment: This stage in formation coincides with the Lenten season. During this season of reflection each person in this formation is encouraged to reflect on the Word of God. The Lenten Sunday Readings are specially designed to help the whole faith community to reflect on life of Jesus Christ: our Savior and redeemer
• Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism,Confirmation, Holy Eucharist
• Post Baptismal Catechesis: Mystagogia .

 How is Baptism prefigured in the Old  Convenant

In the Old covenant Baptism was pre-figured in various ways water, seen as source of life and of death; in the Ark of Noah, which saved by means of water; in the passing though the Red Sea, which liberated Israel from Egyptian slavery; in the crossing of the Jordan River, that brought Israel into the promised Land, Which is the image of eternal life. Compendium: Catechism of the Catholic Church, No. 253
 

 Who brought  to  fulfillment  those  prefigurations

All the Old Covenant prefigurations find their fulfillment in Jesus Christ. At the beginning of his public life Jesus had himself baptized by John the Baptist in the Jordan. On the cross, blood and water, signs Of Baptism and the Eucharist, flowed from his pierced side. After his Resurrection he gave to his Apostles this mission. “ Go therefore and Make disciples of all nations, Baptizing them in the name of the father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” (Mathew 28:19). Compendium: Catechism of the Catholic Church, No. 254

 Starting when and to whom has the Church administered

From the day of Pentecost, the Church has administered Baptism to anyone who believes in Jesus Christ.
Compendium: Catechism of the Catholic Church, No. 255
 

In what does the essential Rite  of Baptism consist ?

The essential rite of this sacrament consists in immersing the candidate in water or pouring water over his or her head while invoking the name Of the Father and Son and the Holy Spirit.  Compendium: Catechism of the Catholic Church, No. 256

Who can receive  Baptism ?

Every person not yet baptized is able to receive Baptism.

Why does  the  Church  baptize  infants ?

The Church baptizes infants because they are born with original sin. They need to be freed from the power of the Evil One and Brought into that realm of freedom which belongs to the children of God.  Compendium: Catechism of the Catholic Church, No. 258
 

What is required of one who is to be baptized

Everyone who is to be baptized is required to make a profession of faith. This is done personally in the case of an adult or by the parents and by the Church in the case of infants. Also the Godfather or the godmother and the whole ecclesial community share the Responsibility for baptismal preparation (catechumenate) as well as for the development and safeguarding of the faith and grace given at baptism.

Who can Baptize ?

The ordinary ministers of Baptism are the bishop and the priest. In the Latin Church the deacon also can baptize. In case of necessity any person can baptize provided he has the intention of doing what the Church does. This done by Pouring water on the head of the candidate while saying the Trinitarian formula for Baptism: “ I baptize you in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”

 A Welcoming to God's  People 

Baptism is the acceptance of an invitation to share in the life of the Church. United with the fellow Christians, we are assured of continuing support to help live as authentic Christians.

Life as a Christian

Baptism is the gift of the Holy Spirit. Empowered by the Holy Spirit Catholics are responsible for carrying on the mission of Jesus to spread the Good news of Jesus to all.

Is  Baptism  necessary  for  salvation

Baptism is necessary for salvation for all those whom the Gospel has been proclaimed and who have had the possibility of asking for this sacrament.

Is it possible to be saved without Baptism ?

Since Christ died for the salvation of all, those can be saved without Baptism who die for the faith (Baptism of blood). Catechumens And all those who, even without knowing Christ and the Church, still (under the impulse of grace) sincerely seek God and strive to do his will can also be saved without Baptism (Baptism of desire). The Church in her liturgy entrust children who die without Baptism to the mercy of God.

 The Effects  of  Baptism

• Baptism takes away original sin, all personal sin and all punishment due to sin
• It makes the baptized person a participant in the divine life of the Trinity through sanctifying grace
• This grace of justification incorporates one into Christ and into his Church
• It gives one a share in the priesthood of Christ and provides the basis for communion with all Christians
• It bestows the Theological virtues and the gifts of the Holy Spirit
• A baptized person belongs forever to Christ
• The baptized person is marked with the indelible seal of Christ (character)

 What is the meaning of the Christian Name  received  at  Baptism?

The name is important because God knows each of us by name, that is, in our uniqueness as persons. In Baptism a Christian receives his or her own name in the Church.

It should preferably be the name of a saint who might offer the baptized a model of

• Growing up to make Christ the center of our lives
• Sanctity,
• Encouragement,
• Integrity
• Inspiration,
• Being rooted and grounded in Faith, Hope and love, and an
• Assuarance of his or her intercession to God.