Baptism

Info from Textbook: "The Sacraments" by the Sophia Institute. "**" signify open response prompts.

Baptism

Sacrament of initiation that brings one into the community of the Church and forgives all sin. This is the first sacrament a person receives, and it represents a beginning or new start for the person receiving the sacrament.

Affusion

When water is poured onto person’s head.

Immersion

When the whole person is submerged in water.

Type

Event or person in the Bible that points forward to a later event/person in salvation history. In the instance of baptism, examples of these include these four Old Testament stories: Noah and the Flood (Gen. 6:9-8:22), the Crossing of the Red Sea (Ex. 14:13-30), the Crossing of the Jordan River (Jos. 3:9-17), and Elisha Healing a Leper (2 Kgs. 5:1-14). Each story uses water to point forward to what baptism will do and mean in the Church.

Baptizein

Greek word meaning “to dip,” “to immerse,” or “to plunge.” Where the term for “baptism” originated from.

Original Sin

Sin we inherit from the first humans and is washed away at baptism.

Actual Sin

Sin we commit, whether it be mortal or venial, both of which damage our relationship with God but are washed away at baptism.

Concupiscence

The inclination to sin; an effect of Original Sin that remains with us despite receiving baptism.

Baptism of Blood

Said to be received by someone who is martyred before they are able to receive their baptism.

Baptism of Desire

Said to be received by someone who dies unexpectedly while preparing to receive their baptism.

The Great Commission

This is the moment that baptism was instituted by Christ: “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” (Mt. 28:18-20). Jesus commands the apostles to preach the Gospel and baptize people, and minister all of the sacraments, in the name of the Trinity. This is where the form of baptism originates from.

Domestic Church

The Church at home: where the faith is first taught to the child being baptized and the place where they experience the love of God for the first time. When a parent baptizes their child, they accept the great responsibility of raising the child in the practice of the faith and to teach them how to love and follow the commandments. The parents are asked if they understand this responsibility three times at the baptism to show how important this is.

Godparent

Also known as a sponsor (although this is a term more common in regards to Confirmation), this is someone who helps the parents of the baptized child teach them the faith. At least one is required at baptism (two, or one and a Christian Witness). In order to qualify to be a godparent, one must be a practicing Catholic who has received the Sacraments of Initiation, is at least 16 years old and is not one of the parents.

Catechumenate

Period of preparation for baptism that includes prayer, reflection, and instruction in the faith. This term come from the Greek language, and it translates to “study or instruction.” This is what the OCIA program is for adults seeking baptism.

Catechumen

Person preparing for baptism. This term comes from the Greek language, and it translates to “the one being instructed.” The OCIA is a collection of all of these people as they prepare for their baptisms.

Sacramental Character

Indelible and permanent mark on our souls that changes us for good by enabling us to participate in Christ’s priesthood. Three sacraments bestow this: baptism, confirmation, and holy orders (This is why you can only receive these sacraments once).

Sacraments of Initiation

Three sacraments that lay the foundation for the Christian life, which are Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist.

Justification

Being made right with God.

Conditional Baptism

Baptism administered when there is doubt that someone was validly baptized; done on the condition that the sacrament was not previously received.

Matter of Baptism

Water that must come into contact with the recipient’s body through affusion or immersion.

Form of Baptism

Minister says, “[Name of recipient], I baptize you in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit." This is also called the Trinitarian Formula.

Minister of Baptism

The ordinary ministers are bishops, priests, and deacons. However, in the instance of an emergency, anyone can be the minister, in which case they would be called an extraordinary minister.

Rite of Baptism

Each part of the rite reveals a deeper reality taking place and places real demands on parents, godparents, and the whole community. In the rite, the minister asks the parents of the recipient, “What name have you chosen for your child?,” “What do you ask of God’s Church?,” and “Do you understand this responsibility?” (The last one is asked three times).

Shared Roles of Christ

Those who are baptized share in Christ’s offices of priest (one who sacrifices), prophet (one who evangelizes), and king (one who serves and leads) as our Christian vocation.

Effects of Baptism

Baptism cleanses all sin through the source of Salvation (the Cross of Christ), makes one a member of the Church and the body of Christ and makes them eligible for the other sacraments. Additionally, this makes a person a new creation through sanctifying grace, as symbolized through the white garment. A person becomes a child on God, receives grace to get to heaven, and their soul is infused with the theological virtues of faith, hope and love. Catholic baptism also unites Catholics to non-Catholic Christians as well.

St. John’s Baptism

When St. John the Baptist baptized people, he did it with water serving as a sign of someone’s repentance, and a person was baptized because of their desire for forgiveness. On the other hand, Christ’s baptism (the sacrament) occurs through the Holy Spirit and actually forgives sins and gives us grace. It is not just a sign. Jesus received John’s baptism because it was an affirmation of His humanity and He was giving us an example to follow. He associated Himself with the condition of mankind and showed us the value of self-emptying.

Infant Baptism

When a baby is baptized and the parents and godparents make the profession of faith on behalf of the child being baptized. This is practiced in the church because the parents want to do what is best for their child, we want the child to be part of the family of God, baptism is necessary for salvation, and it was part of the early church. However, post-baptismal catechesis must accompany this baptism.

Necessity of Baptism

The Church teaches that baptism is necessary for salvation and eternal life, and that anyone who has heard the Gospel and has had the opportunity to ask for baptism must do so. However, while the Church is bound by the sacraments, God is not. Those who know what Christ instructed should seek salvation that way, however God is merciful and ultimately salvation is granted solely through Him. He may grant salvation to individuals who aren’t baptized in other ways, such as through the Baptisms of Blood/Desire. Those who had never heard of Christ can still be saved in they lived a good life, but ultimately it is up to the mercy of Christ.