Sacraments of Initiation Baptism, Holy Eucharist, Confirmation

Basic Info All the sacraments prepare us for life in the Body of Christ. But, they also mirror our natural lives – birth, death, etc. Baptism is like our birth! So, we begin with baptism! 2jdHLsY&list=PL E0A0B9A2&index= 1 2jdHLsY&list=PL E0A0B9A2&index= 1

Biblical Beginnings Begins with the work of John the Baptists Jesus comes to John to be baptized. It is here that His mission begins! Jesus tells his disciples to baptize in the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Baptism is Trinitarian! John 3: 3; Mark 16:15-16; 1 Corinthians 15:22; John 1:29

Baptism and New Life We believe that the in the sacrament of Baptism we are born anew – literally given a new life. Why? Freedom from sin. We are all born with the stain of original sin. Baptism cleanses us from the stain of original sin. Given Grace we never had before! We BECOME ADOPTED SONS AND DUAGHTERS OF GOD! This is why we baptize infants! We want to give them new life right away!

Interesting… The word "baptism" comes from the Greek word to "plunge" or "immerse." As Christ plunged into death for our sake and rose again, so too are we plunged into the waters for rebirth. Do you not know that all of us who have baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into this death? We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life? Romans 6:2-4 Thats why many Christians take a true plunge – go under the water. - By going under water, we symbolically enter the tomb. We come up for air as a new creation.

Important Stuff! The things we use in the sacrament are important. We dont just use any old stuff. We use things that have very symbolic meanings and have been prescribed by Christ or through other Revelation. THE STUFF! Proper matter – the prescribed materials. Correct words or form – the prescribed words and gestures. Designated minister – the prescribed minister.

The Stuff of Baptism - Symbols Water Symbolizes the cleansing of our sins. Also a tomb! Oil Symbolizes that the Holy Spirit enters into us. Biblical kings were anointed with oil. Christ = anointed. Candle been enlightened by Christ. Alight to the world. White garment: newly washed and clothed in Christ. People: Priest, Deacon, parents, godparents.

The Words I BAPTIZE YOU IN THE NAME OF THE FATHER, SON, AND HOLY SPIRIT. This is important! For Catholics, without these exact words there is no baptism. CREATOR, REDEEMER, SPIRIT?

We enter into the Church In Baptism, we almost become adopted by the Church. This is the symbolism of Godparents. They arent our real parents, but they represent the community in which we are baptized into. Baptismal Promises: Community says these together. They say it for the Baby! They take the responsibility! It is all of our responsibility to take sure those who are baptized are raised as children of Light.

We receive… We receive grace, a special life and participation in God. We receive the Holy Spirit, and the Holy Spirit fills us. We are incorporated into the Body of Christ. An indelible mark: Meaning, this is a mark that never goes away. We are always baptized. And although we can deny our Baptism – and all the things we receive – Baptism claims us forever. Like a tattoo we can never remove.