BAPTISM: In his final appearance to the Apostles, Jesus told them: "Go, therefore, and make disciples of all the nations. Baptize them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit" (Matthew 28:19).
Baptism provides us with a faith identity, welcomes us into a community of believers, and incorporates us into the family of Jesus. Baptism is not only a cleansing which erases original sin, but is seen primarily as a commitment to Christ. Baptism has gone through many changes and as the Church grew, a simpler method of initiation was practiced and infant baptism became the norm.
After Vatican II, the catechumenate, the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) was reinstated.
The evangelization of the parents is a major baptismal emphasis with more concern that the parents' practice their faith. Baptism is seen as a community celebration and takes place during a special baptism liturgy. Since baptism marks us as a Christian for life, it can be celebrated only once and the event must be carefully noted in the official parish registry.
Water, the element necessary at baptism, signifies newness of life, growth, cleansing, death, and resurrection. Chrism, a mixture of olive oil and balm, signifies our share in Christ's royal priesthood and divine life. The baptismal candle reminds the baptized to carry the light of Christ into the world. White garments symbolize the purity and innocence of the newly baptized.
BAPTISM: In his final appearance to the Apostles, Jesus told them: "Go, therefore, and make disciples of all the nations. Baptize them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit" (Matthew 28:19).
Baptism provides us with a faith identity, welcomes us into a community of believers, and incorporates us into the family of Jesus. Baptism is not only a cleansing which erases original sin, but is seen primarily as a commitment to Christ. Baptism has gone through many changes and as the Church grew, a simpler method of initiation was practiced and infant baptism became the norm.
After Vatican II, the catechumenate, the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) was reinstated.
The evangelization of the parents is a major baptismal emphasis with more concern that the parents' practice their faith. Baptism is seen as a community celebration and takes place during a special baptism liturgy. Since baptism marks us as a Christian for life, it can be celebrated only once and the event must be carefully noted in the official parish registry.
Water, the element necessary at baptism, signifies newness of life, growth, cleansing, death, and resurrection. Chrism, a mixture of olive oil and balm, signifies our share in Christ's royal priesthood and divine life. The baptismal candle reminds the baptized to carry the light of Christ into the world. White garments symbolize the purity and innocence of the newly baptized.