Sacrament of Baptism

Question 1

What is Baptism?

Answer 1

A ceremony of initiation at which a person officially becomes a member of the Christian community

Question 2

Who baptises babies?

Answer 2

Roman Catholics, Orthodox, Churches in the Anglican Communion, Methodists and Presbyterians

Question 3

Who baptises adults?

Answer 3

Baptist Church

Question 4

What is an adult baptism in the Baptist Church called?

Answer 4

Believer’s Baptism

Question 5

Outline the ceremony at an infant baptism in the Catholic Church

Answer 5

1. Welcome
2. Bible readings and sermon
3. Exorcism and anointing
4. Baptismal promises
5. Baptism
6. Anointing with Chrism
7. White garment and baptismal candle
8. Lord’s prayer and final blessing

Question 6

In the sacrament of baptism, what does the water represent?

Answer 6

Pouring of water symbolises, and brings about, the end of sin and start of a new spiritual life in the heart of the child

Question 7

What are the two oils used in the sacrament of baptism?

Answer 7

Oil of catechumens

Oil of chrism

Question 8

In the sacrament of baptism, what does the oil of chatechumens represent?

Answer 8

At baptism the baby is anointed on the chest with the oil of chatechumens to symbolise God strengthening the child against sin and temtation

Question 9

In the sacrament of baptism, what does the oil of chrism represent?

Answer 9

Baby is anointed on the head with the oil of chrism to show that he/she is chosen to serve God

Question 10

In the sacrament of baptism, what does the candle represent?

Answer 10

Light of the candle symbolises new life of Christ present in the heart of the child

Question 11

In the sacrament of baptism, what does the white garment represent?

Answer 11

When the baby is baptised today, he/she is wrapped in a white shawl to symbolise being clothed in Christ. The white garment points to the child beginning a new life as a follower of Jesus and a member of the church

Question 12

What are the differences between an infant baptism and a believer’s baptism?

Answer 12

INFANT:
•Baptised as babies
•Water poured over head
•Fixed form of service
BELIEVER'S:
•Baptised as adults
•Full immersion
•No fixed form of service

Question 13

Identity

Answer 13

The distinct characteristics by which a person or group is recognised

Question 14

Communicating experience

Answer 14

Experiencing an invisible reality and expressing it clearly in symbolic words and actions