3.2.2

Baptism

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Baptism

The word ‘baptise’ is Greek and means ‘to immerse’ (as in water).

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The first

  • Baptism is the first Sacrament of Initiation and marks a person’s entry into the Christian Church.
  • Only after receiving Baptism can Catholics receive the other sacraments.
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Baptism quotes

  • ‘Whoever believes and is baptised will be saved.’ [Mark 16:16].
  • ‘Baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life, the gateway to the life of the Spirit.’ [CCC1213]
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Symbolism

  • The symbol of the washing away of sins is the pouring of water, invoking the Christian belief in the Trinity.
  • Just as water can wash away dirt, holy water can wash away sin.
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Significance

  • It is considered the basis for the whole Christian life.
  • Through Baptism, Catholics believe they are freed from original sin (Adam and Eve’s sin of disobedience - eating the fruit from the Tree of Knowledge) and have a new life as sons and daughters of God and members of the Church.
  • Once baptised, a person becomes part of the Body of Christ.

What Happens During Baptism

The key features of a Baptism are:

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Readings

  • Readings from the Bible.
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Baptismal promises

  • Baptismal promises made by parents and godparents, rejecting evil and professing belief in God.
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Washing with water

  • Washing with water, baptising in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. This is usually a pouring of water over the baby’s head.
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Anointing with oil

  • Anointing with oil, which symbolises the strengthening of faith.
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Candle

  • Sometimes, a lighted candle is given to parents to symbolise the light of Christ.
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Dressed in white

  • Many babies will be dressed in white to symbolise purity.

Jump to other topics

1Buddhism

2Christianity

3Catholicism (Christianity)

4Islam

5Judaism

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