1. Copyright@Sister Boguslawa 2007 Christian Sacraments Sacraments are sacred events in which we enter into the mysteries of our Catholic faith.

2. Copyright@Sister Boguslawa 2007 What are the Sacraments? Signs of the gifts of Christ’s love and forgiveness in the Church Participation in the Paschal Mystery Pouring in of the sanctifying gracesanctifying grace Among the seven sacraments there are the Sacraments of Initiation

3. Copyright@Sister Boguslawa 2007 Sacraments of Initiation The Christian is born anew by Baptism, strengthened by Confirmation, and receives in Eucharist the food of eternal life.

4. Copyright@Sister Boguslawa 2007 Welcome to the Presentation on Christian Baptism Part I

5. Copyright@Sister Boguslawa 2007 What is Christian Baptism?  it is the Sacrament by which we become Christians  it frees us from the Original Sin (and the personal sin)  imprints an indelible mark on the soul of the baptized which marks us as children of God and members of the Church  fills us with the sanctifying grace

6. Copyright@Sister Boguslawa 2007 What happens to us through Baptism? Through the merits of Christ (The Paschal Mystery) Grace is poured into the soul at Baptism

7. Copyright@Sister Boguslawa 2007 Scriptures about Baptism Baptism makes us: Partakers in the divine nature ( 2 Cor 5:17; 2 Pet 1:4; Gal 4:5—7) Members with Christ and co-heirs (1 Cor 6:15; 12:27; Rom 8:17) Temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor 6:19)

8. Copyright@Sister Boguslawa 2007 Why is Baptism important? Baptism is the ordinary way of salvation for every human being (CCC1257). It is the gateway to all the other sacraments and the whole Christian life.

9. Copyright@Sister Boguslawa 2007 The Lord himself affirms that Baptism is necessary for salvation (CCC 1257) Christ about Baptism “I am telling you the truth…no one can enter the Kingdom of God unless he is born of water and Spirit.” J 3: 5-7

10. Copyright@Sister Boguslawa 2007 Christ about Baptism Jesus himself was baptized by John (Mt 3 13-17), manifesting the divine life of the Trinity: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit

11. Copyright@Sister Boguslawa 2007 Why is Baptism important? Jesus commanded: “ Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” Mt 28:19-20.

12. Copyright@Sister Boguslawa 2007 Who receives Baptism? Anyone who has Christian Faith inspired by God. Church also baptizes the children of Christian parents who make an act of faith and commitment on their child’s behalf.

13. Copyright@Sister Boguslawa 2007 How do we prepare for Baptism? An adult prepares for Baptism by becoming a catechumen. The formal process and rite for this is called the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA). Baptism is often celebrated at the Easter Vigil.

14. Copyright@Sister Boguslawa 2007 How Baptism takes place? Examples of Ancient Baptistries

15. Copyright@Sister Boguslawa 2007 How Baptism takes place? Old Man Death to sin / Born again New Man Descent to the Waters of Baptism and Birth of the Spirit

16. Copyright@Sister Boguslawa 2007 How Baptism is conferred? by immersion in water or by the pouring of water on the head the proper form of words such as the Trinitarian Formula: “[The person’s name] I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.”

17. Copyright@Sister Boguslawa 2007 Presentation of the Candidates Invitation to Prayer Litany of the Saints Prayer over the Water Profession of Faith: - Renunciation of Sin - Profession of Faith Baptism Explanatory Rites: - Anointing with chrism - Clothing with a Baptismal Garment - Presentation of a Lighted Candle Celebration of Baptism

18. Copyright@Sister Boguslawa 2007 Symbols of Baptism Water symbolizes purification, death and new life Candle lit from the Paschal Candle symbolizes the resurrection of Christ in which we partake White Garment symbolizes purity of soul and The new life in Christ Oil of Catechumens symbolizes strength and protection Oil of Chrism symbolizes Consecration to the service of Christ Sign of the Cross symbolizes the claim of the child of God

19. Copyright@Sister Boguslawa 2007 Who baptizes? a bishop, priest or deacon normally baptizes in cases of necessity any person can baptize they must use water and the Trinitarian Formula

20. Copyright@Sister Boguslawa 2007 Baptism is the sacrament by which we become …... It frees us from ….., makes us children of God and members of the Church. Baptism is of the greatest importance for us because it is the ordinary way of………for every human being. It is the gateway to all …….. and the whole Christian life. Baptism is conferred by immersion in water or by pouring water over the head, together with the proper form of words: “[The person’s name] I baptize you……………..” Summary

21. Copyright@Sister Boguslawa 2007 Are you able to answer these questions? The date of my Baptism was_________________ The place of my Baptism was________ My Baptismal name is_________________ My Godparents’ name are________________

22. Copyright@Sister Boguslawa 2007 Discussion questions Discuss some personal experiences of infant or adult Baptism. Discuss why Baptism is of such great importance for the Christian life.

23. Copyright@Sister Boguslawa 2007 Practical Activities Visit a baptismal font in a church. Note and discuss the shape and position of the font and the reasons for any symbols associated with it. Arrange with the parish priest to see the oils of chrism and catechumens kept in the church. Read through the text of the Rite of Baptism. Note the different stages of the rite and what happens during each one of these. As a group you may also wish to discuss the reasons for some of the words and actions.

24. Copyright@Sister Boguslawa 2007 http://www.usccb.org/catechism/text/pt2sect2chpt1ind.htm http://www.usccb.org/liturgy/ http://www.newadvent.org/fathers/0714.htm http://www.newadvent.org/fathers/3405.htm Resources and valuable links:

25. Copyright@Sister Boguslawa 2007 May the Grace of Christ rest in you. Thank you!

26. Copyright@Sister Boguslawa 2007 Sanctifying Grace A supernatural state of being infused by God into our soul that gives us participation in the divine life. The participation in the divine life is the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit. Sanctifying grace belongs to the whole soul, including the intellect and will.