195 Administering the Sacrament of Baptism - part 1 of 2 parts

YOUCAT Lesson 195, part 1 of 2 parts

YOUCAT the catechism for Catholic youth

195  How is Baptism administered?

The classical form of administering Baptism is the threefold immersion of the candidate in the water.  Usually, however, water is poured three times over the head of the candidate, while the minister of the sacrament speaks the words, “(Name), I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.”  [1229-1245, 1278]

Photo: …..The Sacrament of Baptism being  bestowed on  an infant.

Water symbolizes cleansing and new life, which was already expressed in the baptism of repentance performed by John the Baptist.  The Baptism that is administered with water “in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit” is more than a sign of conversion and repentance; it is new life in Christ.  That is why the ceremony also includes the signs of anointing, the white garment, and the baptismal candle.

The night is far gone, the day is at hand.  Let us then cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light…Put on the Lord Jesus Christ (like a new garment).  Romans13:12

…….HOW IS THE SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM CELEBRATED?

…….Christian Initiation

…….1229   From the time of the apostles, becoming a Christian has been accomplished by a journey and initiation in several stages. This journey can be covered rapidly or slowly, but certain essential elements will always have to be present: proclamation of the Word, acceptance of the Gospel entailing conversion, profession of faith, Baptism itself, the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, and admission to Eucharistic communion. –Catechism of the Catholic Faith, Second Edlition

…….1230   This initiation has varied greatly through the centuries according to circumstances. In the first centuries of the Church, Christian initiation saw considerable development. A long period of catechumenate included a series of preparatory rites, which were liturgical landmarks along the path of catechumenal preparation and culminated in the celebration of the sacraments of Christian initiation. –CCC

…….1231   Where infant Baptism has become the form in which this sacrament is usually celebrated, it has become a single act encapsulating the preparatory stages of Christian initiation in a very abridged way. By its very nature infant Baptism requires a post-baptismal catechumenate. Not only is there a need for instruction after Baptism, but also for the necessary flowering of baptismal grace in personal growth. The catechism has its proper place here. –CCC

…….1232   The second Vatican Council restored for the Latin Church "the catechumenate for adults, comprising several distinct steps." (Sacrosanctum Concilium 64)³⁴    The rites for these stages are to be found in the  (RCIA). (compare  Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (1972))³⁵    The Council also gives permission that: "In mission countries, in addition to what is furnished Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults by the Christian tradition, those elements of initiation rites may be admitted which are already in use among some peoples insofar as they can be adapted to the Christian ritual." (Sacrosanctum Concilium 65; compare SC 37-40)³⁶ –CCC

…….1233 Today in all the rites, Latin and Eastern, the Christian initiation of adults begins with their entry into the catechumenate and reaches its culmination in a single celebration of the three sacraments of initiation: Baptism, Confirmation, and the Eucharist. (compare AAd Gentes 14; Codex Iuris Canonici, cann. 851; 865; 866)³⁷    In the Eastern rites the Christian initiation of infants also begins with Baptism followed immediately by Confirmation and the Eucharist, while in the Roman rite it is followed by years of catechesis before being completed later by Confirmation and the Eucharist, the summit of their Christian initiation. (compare Codex Iuris Canonici, cann. 851, 2^o; 868)³⁸ –CCC