Module 6 Revision Flashcards
What is a sacrament?
A sacrament is a visible sign of the invisible presence of God and God’s Grace. (At work).
Sacrament of the church celebrates are signs of grace that make a deeper reality present to us.
Eg. Communion - celebrates Christ’s presence in the church community, his body. Recognition of Christ’s presence in the community should lead to a stronger awareness of being sent on mission to engage in concrete, love-inspired action in the world.
They use all human senses to help people experience the depths of God with their eyes of faith. Experience the loving gift of his grace.
Foundations and stages of strengthening for Christian faith life.
Baptism as a sacrament
- A sacrament of initiation
- Also known as christening
- Baby is initiated into the church - the sacrament of baptism is a celebration for the entrance of God’s family.
- Adults (RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION FOR ADUKTS (RCIA).)
The celebration of the sacrament is a ritual which is comprised of rites which help people enter into the meaning and mystery of the sacrament
- Promises made
- Prayers
- Anointing
Signs and symbols are also present
List and explain the rites of baptism
- At the beginning of the Rite of Baptism for Children there are some important steps that are reminders for the community that Baptism is a choice and through Baptism a child becomes a member of God’s family, the Church. These are:
• parents are asked two questions: “What do you ask of the Church?” and “What name have you given your child?”
• an action where the celebrant makes a sign of the cross on the forehead of the child being baptised and asks the parents and godparents to do likewise. - The Rite then involves a number of steps that are reminders that faith needs preparation, support and growth. These are:
• a Liturgy of the Word, which involves the proclamation of the Word (where passages from the Bible are read) and a time of formal prayers known as intercessions
• a prayer of Exorcism
• the anointing with the oil of the Catechumens - Then there is a profession of faith said by all. Here, the main beliefs of the community are said aloud.
This is then followed by the actual Baptism. This involves the pouring of water over the child’s head or the immersion of the child in water while the following words are said:
(Name of the child being baptised).
I baptise you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. - After the actual Baptism a series of rituals reinforce what it means to be a follower of Jesus. These are the:
a. clothing with a white garment
b. lighting of the Baptismal candle
c. anointing with the Oil of Chrism - The sign of Baptism
- As with all sacraments, there is an important ‘sign’ that tells us a person has been initiated into the Christian community.
- The sign of Baptism includes the saying of set words and a specific action.
- This sign is expressed ; As the water is poured over the child’s head or as the child is immersed in water the following words are said:
(Name of the child being baptised).
I baptise you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
how does this ritual (Baptism) find expression in a religion?
- ritual is an expression of faith
- so the way which the baptism ritual done expresses and supports the faith and beliefs of the Catholic religion
Summarise then stages of baptism - these aspects make baptism an important religion
- profession of faith; their spirituality is spoken out loud and is a sign of confidence and support in the religion
- liturgy of the word (Readings); bible supports, explains and expresses all the declared beliefs by all Christians.
Ect.
Within it are signs and symbols to express faith and meaning
Why is Baptism (sacrament) and its ritual important for the faith lives of Christian group.
Initiates entry into the mystery of the Christian faith. Baptism is an outward expression of administration to the Catholic Church. It opens and nourishes a foundational relationship with God and strengthen the individual with the grace of baptism for the challenges of living their faith as a committed disciple oc Jesus.
Sense of Community - the baptised are entered to a community. Where they will be able to find support and help on their religious life. Support and ask questions in spiritual life. Has role models and teachers.
Observers and Witnesses within the community supports the faith as the participation nourishes their own faith Eg prayer of exorcism, profession of faith. It re-affirms the relationship and commitments of faith to Jesus and to each other.
Coming together of people strengthens the community and relationship.
Strengthen the family cohort - individuals come together
It also an important choice of faith, all members of the family agree and believe in the same faith and try thier best to live by the religious teachings.
It is a choice that unites family.
Reminder of the events in the bible/ life of Jesus. The significance of being a disciple of Jesus.
Why water a symbol in baptism and what does it symbolise?
Water in baptism symbolise and conveys many things including
- Water is an eternal source and living things cannot survive, grow and develop without water. With this understanding, the baptismal water conveys this the same exact message that God. By being immersed into the water the child/adult is has been given the eternal source of faith in God (holy water) and with the grace present he/she is part of a family which lives grows and develops spiritually with the essence of eternal source from God.
The individual being immersed into water the also represents message of the death and burial of Jesus Christ. In the same way the child is brought to ‘death’ from sin and cleansed from the impurity of Original Sin. The immersion from the water represents Jesus’ resurrection from death, freeing mankind from sin. In the same way he/she is purified and brought back to a spiritual with God, turned away from sin.
Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin” (Romans 6:4-6).
What does the oil of catechumens symbolise?
The Oil of the Catechumens is used after the prayer of exorcism and applied to the chest. It symbolises salvation as well as the strength and power that come from Christ our savior.
The oil on the body of the baptised seals the purity within the individual and provides the individual with strength and will power to turn away from sin, resist sin and temptations with power of Christ within them, and keep their sealed self pure.
What does the oil of Chrism Symbolise?
This oil is infused with fragrant spices which symbolise all of the blessing and richness in faith with god.
When crowned with this oil, it symbolises and convey the idea that all of the blessings, riches and graces of God will accompany them in their Journey and bring them to salvation.
What does the white baptismal garment symbolise?
The white garment worn by he/she symbolise their dignity.
Every individual wear white because everyone is equally dignified as everyone was made in the image and likeness of God.
The white garment showcases their purity after being baptised and cleansed from original sin.
They are a clean slate in God’s eyes, as white is a symbol of innocence and purity.
Being clothed in white is being clothed in Christ.
What does the lit baptismal candle symbolise?
The light lit from the paschal candle (Easter candle) represents that the individual is in Union with god himself.
The Easter candle conveys the message that Jesus has risen from death. The light from the flame means the presence of God and the light he will provide in dark times in a Christian’s journey. When the candle is lit from the Easter candle it conveys the idea that the light of Christ has been shared with he/she and is lit their spirit, ready to guide them with Jesus spirit.
What do God parents represent in Baptism?
God parents represent a pillar of support and faith.
God parents have the duty to help he/she reach their fullest potential in terms of spirituality.
The presence of God parents symbolise a pillar of faith he/she can rest on (ask for support) and help them when in dark times in this life.
Since the godparents are outside of the immediate family circle, they also represent the community who he/she is invited to, and the individuals within that community will strike to help and support the infant in their life to reach fulfilment with God.
What does the sign of the cross represent in baptism?
The sign of the cross is an action and speech which are signs of baptism. It is a sign of sealment and unity with the trinity.
‘In the name of the father, son and the holy spirt’ and the action of making the cross signifies that everyone has been sealed with Jesus’ name and is a blessing made in his image.
The action showcases the relationship between God, the father, son and Holy Spirit and in his name you are sealed.
What does the sign of pouring water represent?
The action of pouring water and saying ‘I Baptise you in the name of the father, son and the holy Spirit’. Is a sign which points to the idea that the holy spirt is present in the ceremony and is who is blessing and purity the candidate of baptism. It is a sign that cleansing is occurring within the child.
Sign of profession of faith/denounce Satan.
The profession of Faith/ denouncing of Satan are words that commit to the new Christian life.
Everyone who says this prayer (family, godparents, witness of the church) signify to the idea that all Christians denounce Satan and expresses their belief in the Catholic Church.
This is a sign because the words spoken indicate and point towards the inner beliefs of a Christian, sign that they are a Catholic Christian and that they are nourishing their own faith through this prayer.
How are the actions and words of the priest in welcoming a sign?
The words of the priest saying ‘NAME I baptise you..’ directs to the idea that the individual has been named into the community of Christians, named in the eyes of God and welcomed into the church.
They are their own individual, who has power through the Holy Spirit to be apart and participate in the church.
