Did You Know?

(Click on the question below to see the answers

What names are given to the first sacrament of initiation?

This sacrament is primarily called Baptism because of the central rite with which it is celebrated. To baptize means to “immerse” in water. The one who is baptized is immersed into the death of Christ and rises with him as a “new creature” (2 Corinthians 5:17). This sacrament is also called the “bath of regeneration and renewal in the Holy Spirit” (Titus 3:5); and it is called “enlightenment” because the baptized becomes “a son of light” (Ephesians 5:8). (CCC 252)

In what does the essential rite of Baptism consist? 

 

The essential rite of this sacrament consists in immersing the candidate in water or pouring water over his or her head while invoking the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. (CCC 256)

Why does the Church baptize infants?


 

The Church baptizes infants because they are born with original sin. The need to be freed from the power of the Evil One and brought into that realm of freedom which belongs to the children of God. (CCC 258)

 

Canon 868 states—For the licit baptism of an infant it is necessary that:

1. the parents or at least one of them or the person who lawfully takes their place gives consent;
2. there be a founded hope that the infant will be brought up in the Catholic religion; if such a hope is altogether lacking, baptism is to be put off according to the prescriptions of particular law and the parents are to be informed

 

What is required of one who is to be baptized?


 

Everyone who is to be baptized is required to make a profession of faith. This is done personally in the case of an adult or by the parents and by the Church in the case of infants. Also the godfather or the god mother and the whole ecclesial community share the responsibility for baptismal preparation (catechumenate) as well as for the development and safeguarding of the faith and grace given at baptism. (CCC 259)

Who can baptize?

The ordinary ministers of Baptism are the bishop, priest and deacon. In case of necessity and person can baptize provided he has the intention of doing what the Church does. This is done by pouring water on the head of the candidate while saying the Trinitarian formula for Baptism: “I baptize you I the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” (CCC 260)

Is it possible to be saved without Baptism?

 

Since Christ died for the salvation of all, those can be saved without Baptism who die for the faith (Baptism of blood). Catechumens and all those who, even without knowing Christ and the Church, still (under the impulse of grace) sincerely seek God and strive to do his will can also be saved without Baptism (Baptism of desire). The Church in her liturgy entrusts children who die without Baptism to the mercy of God. (CCC 261)

What are the effects of Baptism?

Baptism take away original sin, all personal sins and all punishment due to sin It makes the baptized person a participant in the divine life of the Trinity through sanctifying grace, the grace of justification which incorporates one into Christ and into his Church. It gives on a share in the priesthood of Christ and provides the basis for communion with all Christians. It bestows the theological virtues and the gifts of the Holy Spirit. A baptized person belongs forever to Christ. He is marked with the indelible seal of Christ (character). (CCC 263)

 

As a parent....

you promise in the name of your child to renounce sin and the devil, and to live the faith according to the teachings of Christ and His Church.   Through the grace of the sacrament of marriage, parents receive the responsibility and privilege of evangelizing their children. Parents should initiate their children at an early age into the mysteries of the faith of which they are the "first heralds" for their children. They should associate them from their tenderest years with the life of the Church.  

Parents: Faith must grow after Baptism. Within the “domestic church” parents, “who have the first responsibility for the education of their children” have the duty to teach the Catholic faith and set an example of Christian living.

As a Godparent/sponsor ....

Canon 875—Insofar as possible one to be baptized is to be given a sponsor who is to assist an adult in Christian initiation, or, together with the parents, to present an infant at the baptism, and who will help the baptized to lead a Christian life in harmony with baptism, and to fulfill faithfully the obligations connected with it.

Qualifications of Sponsors

Canon 875 – To be admitted to the role, a person must:

1. be designated by the one to be baptized, by the parents or the one who takes their place or, in their absence, by the pastor or minister and is to have the qualifications and intention of performing this role;
2. have complete the sixteenth year, unless a different age has been established by the diocesan bishop or it seems to the pastor or minster that an exception is to be made for a just cause;
3. be a Catholic who has been confirmed and has already received the sacrament of the Most Holy Eucharist and leads a life in harmony with the faith and the role to be undertaken;
4. not be the father or the mother of the one to be baptized;
5. A baptized person who belongs to a non-Catholic ecclesial community may not be admitted except as a witness in baptism and together with a Catholic sponsor.