"Good can exist without evil, but evil cannot exist without good.” -AquinasAquinas

Baptism CCC The ordinary ministers of Baptism are the bishop and priest and, in the Latin Church, also the deacon. In case of necessity, anyone, even a non-baptized person, with the required intention, can baptize, by using the Trinitarian baptismal formula. The intention required is to will to do what the Church does when she baptizes. The Church finds the reason for this possibility in the universal saving will of God and the necessity of Baptism for salvation.

Baptism The Forgiveness of Sins Sin is an abuse of the freedom that God gives us. Concupiscence—the inclination to sin Baptism grants the life of Christ’s grace and turns us back to God Protoevangelium—the first announcement of the Messiah and Redeemer

Baptism The Grace of Baptism Becoming a “New Creature” Our fundamental identity is changed Baptized people receive sanctifying grace—the grace of justification Enables us to believe in God Gives us the power to live and act under the Holy Spirit Allows us to grow in goodness

Baptism The Grace of Baptism Incorporated into the Church Baptism makes us members of the Church Right to receive the other sacraments Right to be nourished with the Word of God Right to take part in and be sustained “by the other spiritual helps of the Church” We share in the priesthood of Christ

Baptism The Grace of Baptism CCC Baptism makes us members of the Body of Christ From the baptismal fonts is born the one People of God of the New Covenant, which transcends all the natural or human limits (race, gender, etc.)

Baptism The Grace of Baptism Unity with other Christians Baptism strengthens the opportunity for unity among all Christians The Church recognizes most Christian baptism as valid “We believe in one baptism for the forgiveness of sins”

Baptism The Grace of Baptism CCC By Baptism we share in the priesthood of Christ, in his prophetic and royal mission. We are "a chosen race” that may declare the wonderful deeds of him who called us out of darkness into his marvelous light. Remind you of anything from the OT? CCC Having become a member of the Church, the person baptized belongs no longer to himself, but to him who died and rose for us. From now on, he is called to be subject to others, to serve them in the communion of the Church Has the rights to to receive the sacraments, to be nourished with the Word of God and to be sustained by the other spiritual helps of the Church.

Baptism The Grace of Baptism CCC By Baptism we share in the priesthood of Christ, in his prophetic and royal mission. We are "a chosen race” that may declare the wonderful deeds of him who called us out of darkness into his marvelous light. Remind you of anything from the OT? CCC Having become a member of the Church, the person baptized belongs no longer to himself, but to him who died and rose for us. From now on, he is called to be subject to others, to serve them in the communion of the Church Has the rights to to receive the sacraments, to be nourished with the Word of God and to be sustained by the other spiritual helps of the Church.

Baptism The Grace of Baptism CCC Participate in the apostolic and missionary activity of the People of God. CCC Baptism constitutes the foundation of communion among all Christians "For men who believe in Christ and have been properly baptized are put in some, though imperfect, communion with the Catholic Church. Justified by faith in Baptism, they are incorporated into Christ; they therefore have a right to be called Christians, and with good reason are accepted as brothers by the children of the Catholic Church." "Baptism therefore constitutes the sacramental bond of unity existing among all who through it are reborn."

Baptism The Necessity of Baptism Because Jesus said so. “Jesus answered, Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.” (John 3:5). “Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.” (Mark 16:16) CCC The Lord himself affirms that Baptism is necessary for salvation. Baptism is necessary for salvation for those to whom the Gospel has been proclaimed and who have had the possibility of asking for this sacrament. The Church does not know of any means other than Baptism that assures entry into eternal life due to the instruction given by Christ God has bound salvation to the sacrament of Baptism, but he himself is not bound by his sacraments.

Baptism The Necessity of Baptism (Salvation without water) Examples of how God is not bound to the sacrament Baptism of blood CCC Those who suffer death for the sake of the faith without having received Baptism are baptized by their death for and with Christ. This Baptism of blood, like the desire for Baptism, brings about the fruits of Baptism without being a sacrament. Baptism of desire CCC For catechumens who die before their Baptism, their explicit desire to receive it, together with repentance for their sins, and charity, assures them the salvation that they were not able to receive through the sacrament.

Baptism The Church teaches that Baptism is necessary for salvation. So… What would the Church tell grieving parents of a stillborn child or a child who was miscarried since these children have never received baptism? The Church emphasizes God’s great mercy in these tragic situations God cherishes the dignity of every human conceived Our responsibility as Catholics to protect the lives of the unborn Also, the desire of the parents for their child to be baptized is a type of “Baptism of desire”

Acts 8:27-38 Phillip was an Apostle Preached to Gentiles in Samaria and Africa Came across Eunuch reading book of Isaiah Eunuch asked to be baptized In Egypt, it was the practice of the Pharaohs to have large harems of women These women were protected by eunuchs Male officials (slaves) who were castrated so that they would not have sex with Pharaoh’s women.

Eunuch’s were considered outcast’s by Jewish culture because of their physical condition. They could not be circumcised and could not be admitted to Judaism Phillip’s conversion of the Eunuch shows that God invites all people into His Church. The Eunuch did not have to become a Jew to become a Christian. An example of “Baptism of desire” Was reading scripture and attempting to understand who the Messiah was.

Either bishops, priests, or deacons are the ordinary ministers for the Sacrament of Baptism However… In emergency situations anyone, Catholic or non- Christian, can baptize another so long as the Trinitarian formula and immersion or pouring of water is used Just as the Church does Sacrament is still efficacious

References: Chapel, Garrett. (2015). Sacraments [PowerPoint presentation]. Detroit, MI.