BAPTISM “But we, little fishes (pisculi), after the example of our Fish ( ΙΧΘΥΣ ), Jesus...

BAPTISM“But we, little fishes (pisculi), after the example of our Fish (ΙΧΘΥΣ), Jesus Christ, are born in water.” (Tertullian)

Prefigured in Old CovenantSpirit over the Waters at CreationNoah and the FloodCrossing of the Red SeaCrossing River Jordan

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BjJi6mu_Rg0

“Outward Sign…

Recipient ◦Any unbaptized person

Matter◦Water

Form◦“I baptize you in the name of the Father

and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”Minister

◦Ordinary: bishop, priest◦Extraordinary: deacon, anyone with proper

intent

“… Instituted by Christ…Baptism of Christ

◦Chief paradigm for the Sacraments◦Mt 3:11-17; Mk 1:8-13; Lk 3:15-22;

Jn 1:24-34Great Commission

◦Mt 28: 16-20◦Obeyed quickly in Early Church

“‘Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit’” (Acts 2:38)

“…To Give Grace” (Effects)Forgiveness of all sin, including original

and actual, as well as their punishmentBirth into new life in Christ, becoming

children of God and temple of Holy SpiritConfers grace and virtues through which

we are justified and may grow in holinessInitiated as member of Church, in unity

with all Christians, as priest, prophet, kingMarked with indelible character

Paschal MysteryOld Man and New Man – Romans 6:1-14The baptismal font is “Tomb and

Womb”◦“We are buried with Christ in baptism so we

may rise again with him.” (St. Gregory Nazianzen)

◦“For just as our Savior spent three days and nights in the hollow bosom of the earth, so you upon first emerging were representing Christ’s day in the earth, and by your immersion his first night… In one and the same action you died and were born.” (St. Cyril of Jerusalem)

A word about oils

Other SymbolsWhite garment – risen with

ChristCandle lit from the Easter candle

– all baptized are to be the light of the world

“People were bringing even infants to Him that He might touch them, and when the disciples saw this, they rebuked them.

Jesus, however, called the children to himself and said, ‘Let the children come to me and do not prevent them; for the kingdom

of God belongs to such as these.’”(Luke 18:15-16)

FAQs about infant baptism:Why did the Church change its mind

and focus more on infant baptism? (Acts 16:25-34)

Can the parents and godparents make these promises on behalf of the child?

Are they forcing their will on the child and his/her beliefs?

Does an infant need to be baptized? They haven’t sinned.

What happens to babies if they die before they are baptized?

Sacrament of SalvationIs Baptism necessary for salvation?“I solemnly assure you, no one can enter

into God’s kingdom without being begotten of water and Spirit” (John 3:5)

“The man who believes in [the good news] and accepts Baptism will be saved; the man who refuses to believe in it will be condemned” (Mark 16:16)

“God has bound salvation to the Sacrament of Baptism, but He Himself is not bound by His sacraments” (CCC 1257)