Celebration of the Sacrament of Baptism

(Pouring water over the infants head)

Baptism

It is the first of the three sacraments of initiation. We are incorporated into the body of Christ through it. Baptism marks initiation into the Catholic church. It is celebrated by immersion or pouring water on the head with the words said,

 “I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit” 

 

The Importance of Baptism

New life - Baptism gives us a new life. Baptism is commanded by Jesus in the Gospels and practiced by the early church as we read the New Testament. Teaching us that being baptized and enjoying its blessings is part of being Christian.  

Baptism symbolizes that just as Christ died and was buried, and rose again. We are submerged (either physical or symbolical) underwater and rise again. Being underwater symbolizes the old life with sins and coming out of the water, is our new life with a purpose.

Blessings - forgiveness of sins, faith in our Savior, and eternal life in heaven. God holds out to us through baptism. A moment in our lives to look back upon and know that God has made contact with us, as water and His Word. In that instant, we are sure that our sins have been forgiven.  As such, knowing faith and forgiveness, we will spend eternity at His side in heaven.

Resources & References:

Understanding the Catholic Sacraments – Brescia University. (2017, May 23). Retrieved September 25, 2022, from https://www.brescia.edu/2017/05/catholic-sacraments/ 

Compiled & Edited by Crosswalk Editorial Staff. (2017, November 20). Baptism: What is It? Meaning and Definition. Crosswalk.com. Retrieved September 25, 2022, from https://www.crosswalk.com/faith/spiritual-life/baptism-what-is-it-meaning-and-definition.html

Flame of Faith - Catholic Sacraments of Initiation. (2022, August 8). What is Baptism? Flame of Faith. Retrieved September 25, 2022, from http://flameoffaith.org.au/baptism/  

Importance of Baptism. (2021, July 27). Shepherd of the Desert Church. Retrieved September 25, 2022, from https://www.shepherdaz.church/felt-needs/importance-of-baptism/