Christianity Depth Study: Baptism Flashcards
Definition of Baptism
Immersion or anointing of an individual with water in a symbolic ritual showing the cleansing of the individual from sin.
Allows the person to become a member of that particular church.
Outline Baptism in Catholicism
- Welcoming Rite
- God-parents
- Sign of the Cross
- Scriptures, homily, prayer of the faithful, litany of the saints
- Prayer of Exorcism, anointing with Oil of Catechumens.
- Blessing of baptismal water
- Rejection of sin & profession of faith.
- Baptism
8a. Anointing with Oil of Chrism - White Garments
- Lighted candle
- Prayer over the ears & mouth
- Lord’s Prayer & final blessing
Explain the Welcoming Rite
The celebrant asks the parents for the child’s name: “God calls each one by name. Everyone’s name is sacred… [it] is the icon of the person.”
He then asks the parents what they wish (Baptism) and reminds them of their new responsibility: to bring their child up in the Christian faith.
Explain ‘God-parents’
The God-parents come forward; they make a promise to assist with the child’s up-bringing.
Explain the ‘Sign of the Cross’
Tracing a cross on the child’s forehead.
It symbolises the belief in the Trinity, and also in the Crucifixion of Christ, that he died that men might be forgiven their sins.
Explain the ‘scriptures, homily, prayer of the faithful, litany of the saints’.
Scriptures are read, often about Jesus’ baptism.
A homily is given, explaining the scriptures.
The Prayer of the Faithful are for the child & their parents, for the new life given in baptism.
Explain the ‘rejection of sin & profession of faith’
These are made up of promises:
“Do you reject Satan & all his works & empty promises?” etc.
Outline & explain the baptism itself
Water is poured over the forehead 3 times, in the name of the Father, Son & Holy Spirit.
Explain the anointing with the oil of chrism
A symbol of being chosen for a special task in life i.e. challenge of living according to Christ’s values.
NB: oil was used in the Old Testament to anoint prophets, priests & kings - reminder that the child is joining the life of Jesus.
Explain the clothing with the white garment & the giving of a candle.
White garment – purity
Candle – symbol of the light of Christ
What are the prayers over the ears & mouth?
The celebrant prayers that the child’s ears be open to hear the word of God & their mouth to proclaim it.
How does baptism express the beliefs of Christianity?
Belief in the life, death & resurrection of Jesus Christ
Christian in being baptised into Christ’s death, in the hope that they may be raised with him.
Belief in Trinity – in the name of the Father, Son & Holy Spirit.
Belief in salvation
Revelation – scriptures are read.
How/why is baptism signifiant for the individual?
They are entering the Christian community.
A public demonstration of their faith.
Frees from sin
Allows person to be given other sacraments.
How/why is baptism significant for the community?
Great joy - a new member.
All who are present are helping parent to raise child
There to support the new Christian.
Quote: 1 Cor 12:13
“We were all baptised by one Spirit into one body - whether Jew or Greek, slave or free - we were all one in Christ Jesus.”
