Baptism is the first Sacrament, one of three “Sacraments of Initiation

Baptism is required before receiving any of the other 6 Sacraments.

You can only be baptized one time. It leaves a permanent mark on our souls that cannot be undone.

The Church welcomes any baptism that uses water and the Trinitarian formula “I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”

If you have been baptized and are: Episcopalian Anglican Lutheran Methodist Presbyterian Baptist United Church of Christ Assembly of God Disciples of Christ Adventist Evangelical (in other words, mainline Protestant denominations) You don’t have to be re-baptized if you want to become Catholic.

The first effect of Baptism is… We are cleansed of ALL sin…

Including ORIGINAL SIN

The second effect of Baptism is… God comes to dwell within us.

The third effect of Baptism is… We all become living members of Christ’s body, the Church, sharing in her mission (to work to build the Kingdom of God)

“To baptize” means “to plunge” This plunging symbolizes the death of our old selves and our resurrection as a new creation.

The early Church used to call baptism “enlightenment” or “illumination” …because in baptism, we receive the grace of Jesus Christ, “the true light that enlightens every man.” (John 1:9)

Why do Catholics baptize babies Why do Catholics baptize babies? Shouldn’t they wait until they’re adults?? REMEMBER: Baptism is like birth… When we’re born, we enter a family… (faith) We also enter a community… (Church)

Example: When you were born in the United States, you automatically became a U.S. citizen. You were given rights and privileges, even though you were too young to realize it.

You didn’t choose to become a citizen. Infants are baptized so that they receive a Christian identity for their own good. When they are old enough, they can choose to continue or reject their religion (just like U.S. citizenship). The Sacrament of Confirmation, which is given to older children is just that, a “confirmation” of Baptism

1. The priest makes the Sign of the Cross on the forehead of the child. 2. The priest asks the parents and godparents a series of questions, scripture is read and blessings are said. 3. The priest anoints the infants neck and shoulders with the Oil of Catechumens. 4. More questions and prayers. 5. The priest pours water three times over the child’s head and says the Trinitarian formula. 6. The priest anoints the top of the baby’s head with Chrism Oil. 7. The baptismal candle is lit from the burning Easter Candle.

Lit candle symbolizes that the new Christian is a light to the world. White garment symbolizes being clothed in Christ, as a new creation. Water universally symbolizes purification, cleanliness, life and also death. Oil symbolizes healing, strengthening and being chosen. Christ = “anointed one”

…although, if it is necessary, anyone can baptize by pouring water over the person’s head while saying the Trinitarian formula. The normal minister for a baptism is a priest, deacon or bishop. The end.