THE SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM By Alexis Kemi Pamela

THE SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM By: Alexis, Kemi, Pamela, Caroline and Elizabeth

IN BAPTISM WE RECEIVE NEW LIFE IN CHRIST In baptism we receive a new life in Christ and Jesus will include and welcome all who believe in him. Baptism is our rebirth in water and spirit and it is necessary for salvation. In baptism both original and personal sin is taken away and we are born into the Kingdom of God.

IN BAPTISM WE RECEIVE NEW LIFE IN CHRIST (CONTINUED) The water in baptism symbolizes that we die to sin and rise in a new life with Christ. Through baptism we are called to the mission of sharing the good news and spreading the kingdom of God. After his death and resurrection Jesus continued to spread his mission through his disciples and said to them “Whoever believes in me and is baptized will be saved. ”

WE ARE WASHED ANOINTED In Jewish ritual, water was a power symbol or salvation and purification from sin. Jewish people practiced a ritual of washing in water to prepare for sacred times or events, in the time of Jesus. John the Baptist encouraged people to participate in the ritual of washing in water, baptizing in the waters of the Jordan River, and urging them to prepare themselves for the coming of God’s Kingdom Some Jewish authorities asked John who he was and why he was baptizing, and he acknowledged them that he was not the Messiah. John the Baptist said “I baptize with water; but there is one among you whom you do not recognize, the one who is coming after me, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to untie”

WE ARE WASHED ANOINTED (CONTINUED) When Jesus came towards John at the Jordan River, John said “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world” After Jesus was baptized, John said “I saw the Spirit come down like a dove from the sky and remain up on him” This baptismal anointing by the Spirit showed everyone that Jesus is the Messiah. Jesus’ relationship with God his Father was revealed, and God the Holy Spirit also came upon Jesus The Holy Spirit anointed Jesus and established him as priest, prophet, and king.

WE ARE WASHED ANOINTED (CONTINUED) In the Sacrament of Baptism, we are anointed and blessed with holy oil. We are sealed as belonging to Christ. Baptism is never repeated. Once we have been baptized, we are permanently marked with the sign of faith and have the hope of living in God’s love forever.

AT BAPTISM WE ARE WELCOMED INTO THE CHURCH “At Baptism we are welcomed into the church. ” Through Baptism we become members of the church. “Baptism is ‘the basis of the whole Christian life, the gateway to life in the spirit and the door which gives access to other sacraments’”. Most people are baptized as babies, but you can be baptized at any age. The early church used to baptize adults.

AT BAPTISM WE ARE WELCOMED INTO THE CHURCH (CONTINUED) Catechumenate- liturgy and prayer, a religious instruction based on scripture and tradition, to serve others. Catechumens- people who are catechumenate. Older children and adults participate in the ‘Rite of Christian Initiation’ where they participate in prayer and understand the meaning of the sacraments. We receive three Sacraments of Initiation. The whole parish takes part; they can be sponsors and godparents. Sponsor, godparents, and the parish agree to help the child grow in faith. “Since Baptism is a sacrament that gives witness to the faith of the church, it’s celebrated within the community of believers.

WE CELEBRATE THE SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM

WE CELEBRATE THE SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM ( CONTINUED) Baptism has five parts: § Reception of the Children; The celebrant tells the parents and godparents of the child their duties and claims the child for Jesus Christ. § Liturgy of the Word; The celebrant reads from scripture and gives a homily, and then proceeds to pray for the child. This is also when they baptize the child. § Explanatory Rites; The baby is anointed with chrism and is put in a white garment. Then the Easter candle is lit, and the baby is blessed. § Conclusion of the Rite; The celebrant blesses the child one last time and dismisses the community.

“EXTRAORDINARY CIRCUMSTANCES” &“THE CATECHUMENATE” A bishop priest or deacon are the ordinary ministers of baptism, but in cases of emergency anyone can baptize but only if there is a dangerous sickness or certain death. It is simply done as pouring water over the head and saying “I baptize you in the name of the Father Son and the Holy Spirit”. People can be baptized at all ages. You can only be baptized once in your life because being baptized gets rid of original sin you cannot get rid of original sin twice. How does an adult become a catholic? As an adult when you want to become a catholic you have to want to be a part of the legerity of God. The word catechumen comes from a Greek word meaning “to echo”. In ancient times students would memorize or “echo” what the teacher said. Christian understanding of the catechumenate grow through the Christian faith.

MARLA RUZICKA She was born on December 31, 1976. At an early age she already understood the grace of baptism and the importance of baptism by working for justice. She raised a campaign for equal right that everybody could get baptized because when she was growing up only certain people could get baptized. She was ready to make a difference in people’s lives she would travel to help people all over the world especially the people who were suffering from hurricanes at age 26 she founded a campaign for innocent victims in conflict. She died April 16 , 2005 she was killed by a car bomb while working with CIVIC.

MARLA RUZICKA PICTURES