All then listen to the Word of God, in which In a sense, they are answering not only for represents Christ who, by his suffering and Christ himself speaks to those present themselves but also for their child, who will death, gives life and light to the world. We about the mystery of Baptism. The reading be baptised in the faith of the Church recall how at the beginning of the Easter calls for a response of faith which, as we Vigil the church is in darkness and, when have seen, is inseparable from Baptism. The THE BAPTISM AND the Easter candle is lit, the priest or deacon readings are followed by the homily and the SUBSEQUENT CEREMONIES sings "Christ our light." From the single prayer of the faithful. All are then invited to flame of the Easter candle all the candles of join in the litany of the saints, a reminder The Baptism itself now follows, with a those in the church are lit until the church that not only the Church on earth but the threefold pouring of water on the head is a blaze of light, a fitting symbol of Christ saints in heaven are praying for the child. or immersion in water, once at the name lighting up individual souls and, through Informative The name of the saint after whom the child of each of the three divine persons. This them, the world. It is this same Easter is named can be inserted into the litany. follows Our Lord's command to baptise "in candle that is used to light the candles of the name of the Father and of the Son and the newly baptised throughout the year, 'intelligent The prayer of exorcism follows. Here the of the Holy Spirit." The water, as we have so that the association of Baptism with celebrant, in a prayer to God the Father, the Easter mystery of Christ is continually seen, symbolises and brings about not only _ recalls that Christ was sent into the world Inspirational a cleansing from sin but a communication made present. The parents and godparents "to cast out the power of Satan, the spirit of divine life, with all that this entails. are exhorted to help the child walk always of evil, to rescue man from the kingdom of as a child of the light and to keep the flame darkness, and bring him into the splendour The anointing with the oil of chrism on of faith alive in his or her heart. It calls to of your kingdom of light." He goes on to the crown of the head now takes place, mind the parable of the wise young women pray that the child will be set free from signifying the gift of the Holy Spirit. In who were welcomed into the wedding feast original sin, made a temple of God's glory the Baptism of an adult, this anointing because their lamps were lit. (cf. Mt 25:10) and have the Holy Spirit dwell with him will be the sacrament of Confirmation. In or her. It is a beautiful prayer invoking the ancient times priests, kings and sometimes Next comes the prayer over the ears and images of darkness, representing evil and prophets were anointed for their mission, mouth, an ancient rite sometimes called sin, and light, representing God's grace and and the anointing with chrism indicates the ephphetha. Here the celebrant prays glory. that the newly baptised person shares in that the child's ears may be open to hear the Christ's threefold office of priest, prophet word of God and their lips to proclaim it. The child is then anointed on the chest with and king. The chrism has balsam or other the oil of catechumens, one of two oils used The celebrant then goes to the altar and substances added to it to give it a pleasant in the rite of Baptism. This oil, one of the invites all those present to join in the fragrance, symbolising the "good odour three blessed by the bishop in the Mass Lord's Prayer. This is a reminder that of Christ" (2 Car 2:15) that the sacrament of the Oils during Holy Week, is specific Baptism leads to the Eucharist and that all confers. to Baptism. It signifies the strengthening the baptised are children of God who can and healing that Christ brings through the address God as Father. sacrament, a reminder of how athletes and the sick and injured were strengthened and The rite concludes with the blessing, first healed with oil in ancient times. of the mother, then of the father and lastly of the entire assembly, with the invocation The celebrant then goes to the Baptismal of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit as a font, along with the parents, their child, final reminder of the Trinitarian nature of and the godparents, where he blesses the Baptism. baptismal water. This is a very rich and expressive blessing, recalling various All rejoice in the fact that this child has scriptural references to water which are been "reborn" in Christ, and all feel figures of Baptism: the Spirit breathing on committed to help the newly baptised the waters at the dawn of creation, the flood, person by their prayer and example to live the crossing of the Red Sea, the water and up to their baptismal dignity. It is truly a blood flowing from the side of Christ, etc. day for rejoicing. ■ At the end the celebrant touches the water Further reading: Catechism of the Catholic Church, with his right hand and asks the Father and no. 1213-1284. Son to send the Holy Spirit upon the water. He concludes: "May all who are buried with Fr John Hader, B.A., D.C.L. Christ in the death of baptism rise also with him to newness of life." FOR BOOKS & GIFTS ON BAPTISM VISIT Returning to the basic elements of the The newly baptised person is then clothed THE MUSTARD SEED rejection of sin and the profession of faith with a white garment, an outward sign of BOOKSHOP which, as we have seen, were required their Christian dignity and purity of soul. before Baptism from the time of the In the words of St Paul, they have now "put Shop address 3 Keating St, Lidcombe apostles, the parents and godparents now on Christ" (Gal 3:27). NSW 2141 reject Satan and sin by answering "I do" Ph 02 9646 9000 to three questions. They then profess their Next the baptised person is given a Ti IE MUSTARD SEED [email protected] mustardseed.org.au faith by answering "I do" to three questions lighted candle, lit by one of the parents or BOOKSHOP BORN AGAIN regarding their belief in the three divine godparents from the Easter candle, which THE MEANING OF BAPTISM persons as expressed in the Apostles' Creed.

Postal Locked Bag 888 Silverwater DC NSW 1811 Street 3 Keating St Lidcombe 2141 Our Baptism is one of the most important moments in our life. In this article Email [email protected] Phone (02) 9646 9010 Fax (02) 9646 9090 Web www.caec.com.au Fr John Flader THE MUSTARD SEED INFORM - 50c per copy. Single subscription $10 per year within Australia, 6 issues annually. Single copy of every back issue of INFORM still reflects on the meaning and importance of Christian Baptism, taking us through each of the BOOKSHOP in print - $40 per set. Contact us on the details above for orders and details. 94 ceremonies of the rite. Published with ecclesiastical approval I 0: 2015 Photocopying Prohibited. On the day of your baptism the three divine Persons If someone asked you what the three he said of Jesus after his baptism by John: — Father, Son and Holy Spirit — took up residence in our most important days in a Christian's life "This is my beloved son in whom I am well soul for the first time. We passed from the state known were, how would you answer? pleased." (Mt 3:17) as original sin, in which we are deprived of divine life, into I have often pondered the question and Moreover, in the words of St Peter, we have always come up with the same answer: become "partakers of the divine nature." what is known as the state of grace, in which we are given a the day of our conception, when in a (2 Pet 1:4) 'That is, in some way we share in share in God's own life. By Baptism we become, as St Paul completely gratuitous and mysterious way the very nature of God. We are "divinised", puts it, "temples of the Holy Spirit". (1 Car 6:19) we began the journey of life; the day of our as many writers have put it. In a real sense, Baptism, when we began our spiritual life Satan's words to our first parents - "You in God; and the day of our death, when we will be like God" (Gen 3:5) - become a BAPTISM IN THE EARLY the Church. Likewise, it is fitting that it be celebrated on the other Sundays of the year, made the final choice that determined our reality through Baptism. CHURCH eternal destiny. which are weekly celebrations of Easter. In summary, in Baptism we are filled with Jesus, as we know, was baptised by John Jesus wanted Baptism to be celebrated until Mind you, there are lots of other important God and become truly holy. This in turn the Baptist in the Jordan. He did this not days in between - the day of our birth, our calls us to develop that holiness throughout the end of time and so, before his ascension because he needed to be forgiven, but to into heaven, he instructed the apostles: "Go the Father and of the Son and of the Holy first day at school, the day of our graduation, our life by growing in love for God and show us the way to this great means of our wedding day, the day we retired, etc. But doing his will. therefore and make disciples of all nations, Spirit." But over the years other ceremonies salvation and to make holy the waters of baptising them in the name of the Father have been added to the essential one of the I think none of these has the importance of Baptism forever after. While he was being the ones I have mentioned. MEMBERS OF THE CHURCH and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and pouring of or immersion in water and the baptised, the Spirit, who had hovered over teaching them to obey everything I have pronouncing of these words. Let us look Why is Baptism so important? Then too, through Baptism we become be sprinkled with holy water as a reminder the waters at the first creation, (cf. Gen commanded you." (Mt 28:19-20) We notice at these ceremonies and their meaning, members of the Church. Through this of the Baptism we have received, which will 1:2) now descended upon him as a sign of here how the teaching of the faith was following the rite of Baptism of children. A NEW LIFE gateway we come to belong to the Mystical now allow us entry into eternal life. the new creation in Christ, and the Father always to accompany Baptism. Body of Christ in union with all the other revealed Jesus as his beloved Son. (cf. Mt To begin with, on the day of our Baptism THE CEREMONIES PRIOR TO baptised persons, both living and dead. Yes, WHY WATER? 3:16-17) the three divine Persons - Father, Son and FROM PENTECOST ON the saints in heaven are also there to help us, BAPTISM Holy Spirit - took up residence in our soul Why do we use water in Baptism? Water Jesus often referred to his suffering and and we ask them to pray for us in the litany On the very day of Pentecost the apostles is important for us in two principal ways. death as a Baptism (cf. Mk 10:38, Lk 12:50). The celebrant first asks the parents what for the first time. We passed from the state during the rite of Baptism. So after Baptism administered Baptism to a large number On one hand we use water for washing, When he died on the Cross it was as if name they have given their child. As we known as original sin, in which we are we are no longer isolated individuals, of people. On that day St Peter declared to and in this sense Baptism - which comes he had opened the fountain of Baptism, see in the book of Genesis when Adam deprived of divine life, into what is known battling on our own. We are part of a big the people: "Repent, and be baptised every from a Greek word meaning "immersion" syinbolised by the water and blood that names the various creatures, the giving of as the state of grace, in which we are given family, helped by all the other members of one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for - symbolises the cleansing of the soul from flowed from his open side. The water and a name is, in some way, a cooperation in a share in God's own life. By Baptism we the Church and, in turn, helping them by the forgiveness of your sins: and you shall the stain of sin. We recall, for example, how blood have traditionally been seen as God's creative work. The name is given for become, as St Paul puts it, "temples of the our prayers, sufferings, and good works. In receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." (Acts Ananias told Saul: "Get up, be baptised, and figures of Baptism and the Eucharist. So all eternity. As the Catechism says, "God Holy Spirit". (1 Cor 6:19) the words of The Catechism of the Catholic 2:38) Always, Baptism presupposes not only have your sins washed away..." (Acts 22:16) Baptism is closely related to Christ's death repentance for sin but also faith in Christ. calls each one by name. Everyone's name is Along with the life of grace we receive Church, "From the baptismal fonts is born and resurrection. St Paul, for example, declared to his jailer sacred. The name is the icon of the person. the theological virtues of faith, hope and the one People of God of the New Covenant, When an infant, who has committed no in Philippi: "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and It demands respect as a sign of the dignity charity, as well as the so-called cardinal which transcends all the natural or human personal sins, is baptised, what is washed St Paul takes up this imagery, pointing out you will be saved, you and your household." of the one who bears it." (CCC 2158) virtues of prudence, justice, fortitude and limits of nations, cultures, races and sexes: away is the stain of original sin, which that through Baptism the believer is buried The narrative goes on to say that the jailer temperance, so helpful in living according "For by one Spirit we were all baptised into prevents the child from sharing in the with Christ in order to rise with him: "Do The celebrant then asks the parents what "was baptised at once, with all his family." to our new-found dignity. In addition, we one body." (1 Cor 12:12; CCC 1267) life of God. In the Baptism of an adult, in you not know that all of us who have been they ask of the Church for their child, and (Acts 16:31-33) addition to original sin both the guilt and baptised into Christ Jesus were baptised they answer "Baptism". He reminds them receive the gifts of the Holy Spirit - wisdom, As members of the Church we are now the punishment owing for all personal into his death? We were buried therefore that they are accepting the responsibility of understanding, knowledge, counsel, able to receive the other sacraments - The reference to the whole family suggests sins are cleansed, provided the person is with him by Baptism into death, so that bringing their child up in the faith, of helpi ng fortitude, piety and fear of the Lord - which Confirmation, Eucharist, Reconciliation, the possibility that children too were truly repentant. The Catechism expresses it as Christ was raised from the dead by the him or her to keep the commandments. enable us to respond quickly and easily to etc. - as well as the other means which help baptised then. In any case, the practice of the promptings of the Holy Spirit. like this: "In those who have been reborn glory of the Father, we too might walk in This is truly a great responsibility, for their us grow in our spiritual life. infant Baptism is, as the Catechism says, nothing remains that would impede their newness of life." (Rwn 6:3-4) "an immemorial tradition of the Church. child's earthly and eternal happiness will In this new state, the baptised person is Finally, Baptism, by incorporating us entry into the Kingdom of God, neither There is explicit testimony to this practice depend in great measure on how they fulfil raised to the dignity of a child of God, This is made powerfully clear when definitively into Christ, seals us with a Adam's sin, nor personal sin, nor the from the second century on." (CCC 1252) it. The parents are then asked if they clearly adopted by the Father in his Son, Jesus Baptism is administered by immersion, as permanent spiritual mark, called character. consequences of sin, the gravest of which St Augustine traces the practice of infant understand what they are undertaking, and Christ. We are no longer mere creatures, it often was in the early Church and still is By this mark we are recognised by God is separation from God." (CCC 1263) As a Baptism back to the apostles themselves: they answer "We do". This answer is not a like the rest of creation, but God's very in many places today. For then, on entering forever as Christians. St Irenaeus calls result, if a newly baptised person were to die "The custom of our Mother the Church of mere formality. It should imply a sincere children. The Father can say of us what the water, the person symbolically enters Baptism the "seal of eternal life." (Dem ap. suddenly they would go straight to heaven. commitment to help their child grow in the the tomb with Christ, symbolising their baptising infants is in no way to be rejected 3) If we remain faithful to this seal and to or considered unnecessary; on the contrary, love of God and neighbour and, in a word, Water, in addition to being used for dying to sin, and afterwards rises from the the demands of Baptism until the end of it is to be believed on the ground that it is a in the holiness proper to a child of God. washing, is also necessary for life. Plants water, symbolising their rising to new life. our life, we will be welcomed by the Father tradition from the apostles." (De Gen. Ad need water in order to live and grow and But the parents are not alone in helping into the joy of heaven. Because Baptism inserts the person litt., 10, 23, 39) we need to drink water frequently in order their child to live up to his or her baptismal into the Easter mystery of the death In view of all this, we can see that the day to be healthy. Baptism, as we have seen, dignity. They have chosen godparents, or and resurrection of Christ, it is fittingly And so Baptism has continued down of our Baptism is exceedingly important. communicates-the new life of grace in the sponsors, to assist them in this task. The celebrated especially in the Easter Vigil, to our present day. It has always been It is the day of our rebirth in Christ. Every Spirit, a sharing in God's own life. It is like godparents should feel a great sense of where this mystery is relived each year. This administered using the words taught by time we bless ourselves with holy water on being born again to a new and higher life. responsibility in undertaking this role, and has been the practice since the early days of Jesus himself: "I baptise you in the name of entering or leaving a church we reaffirm, in In this sense, it is easy to understand Our should be willing to pray for their godchild a sense, our Baptism and we claim the rights Lord's words to Nicodemus: "No one can and assist the parents in any way they can. and responsibilities of being a Catholic as enter the kingdom of God without being They are now asked if they are ready to our own. And in our funeral, the coffin will born again of water and the Spirit." (In 3:5) > help the parents in their duty as Christian parents, and they answer "We are". Do you not know that all of us who have been baptised into The celebrant, followed by the parents and godparents, now welcomes the child into Christ Jesus were baptised into his death? We were buried the Christian community and traces the therefore with him by Baptism into death, so that as Christ was Sign of the Cross on the child's forehead. raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might This is a sign of Christ, to whom the child is going to belong, and it signifies the grace walk in newness of life. (Rom 6:3-4) Christ won for us by his death on the Cross.