Baptism: Baptism: Becoming a ChristianBecoming a Christian

USCCA Chapter 15USCCA Chapter 15

Thursday, April 20, 2023Thursday, April 20, 2023

Session 2: Baptism—Becoming a ChristianSession 2: Baptism—Becoming a Christian

1. The Sacraments of initiation are Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist.

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2. Baptism is an immersion in water.

a. Symbolism of water:

i. To be immersed in water is a sign of death.

ii. The coming out of water is a sign of new life.

iii. To bathe in water is cleansing.

Session 2: Baptism—Becoming a ChristianSession 2: Baptism—Becoming a Christian

2. Baptism is an immersion in water.

b. Jesus instituted Baptism with His own baptism in the Jordan River.

c. In Baptism, we die to sin, Original and actual, and begin to live new life in Christ.

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3. The eight major elements in the liturgy of Baptism that communicate our new life in Christ are:

a. The Sign of the Cross.

b. The Readings from Scripture.

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c. Exorcism and Anointing.

d. Blessing of Baptismal Water.

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3. The eight major elements in the liturgy of Baptism that communicate our new life in Christ are:

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e. Renunciation of sin and Profession of Faith.

f. The Essential Rite of Baptism. Water is poured three times over the head of the person, or the person is immersed in water three times. Each method is accompanied by a Trinitarian formula of baptism.

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3. The eight major elements in the liturgy of Baptism that communicate our new life in Christ are:

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g. The Anointing with Sacred Chrism.

h. Reception of the White Garment and the candle.

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3. The eight major elements in the liturgy of Baptism that communicate our new life in Christ are:

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4. The Lord Jesus affirms the necessity of Baptism (John 3:5), which calls those who receive it to conversion.

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5. The ordinary ministers of Baptism are the bishop, priest and in the Latin Church, also the deacon. In case of necessity, anyone, even an unbaptized person, can baptize with the required intention to do the will of the Church, using water and the Trinitarian baptismal formula.

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6.6. Any unbaptized person can receive Baptism, including:Any unbaptized person can receive Baptism, including:

a. Adults.

b. Infants.

i. The baptism of infants may be postponed if there is not a founded hope that the child will be brought up in the Catholic faith.

ii. Children who die without baptism are entrusted to the mercy of God.

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7. God Himself is not bound by the Sacraments, and can save those who die without water Baptism. The grace of baptism is extended to those who experience:

a. Baptism of blood, for those desiring Baptism who are martyred before they can be baptized.

b. Baptism by desire, for those desiring Baptism who die before they can receive baptism.

c. A life lived in the pursuit of truth but who, for no fault of their own, never sought Baptism.

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8. The effects of Baptism include:

a. Forgiveness of sins, both Original Sin and all actual sin.

b. Adoption as children of God. Through Baptism we become a temple of the Holy Spirit.

c. Initiation into the Church.

d. Bonding to other Christians.

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8. The effects of Baptism include:

e. Baptismal character, a mark on the soul that cannot be repeated and is permanent.

f. Baptism does not take away concupiscence (the attraction to sin), suffering or death.

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9. Baptism is a call to holiness, calling the baptized to put on Christ, die to sin, and rise to holiness, a life set apart by God for His use. This call leads the baptized to renew the world in Christ.

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For Discussion:For Discussion:

1. In Baptism, we become a temple of the Holy Spirit. How does this show us God’s desire to live in intimacy with us?

2. Describe an experience of a Baptism, be it your own or someone else’s, that was a particularly powerful experience for you. What made that experience powerful?