Baptism 101 for RCIA

Ryan Pineda

Background

O Together with Confirmation and Eucharist, Baptism is part of the Sacrament of Initiation

O Lays the foundations of every Christian life

O To baptize comes from the Greek baptizein which means to “plunge” or “immerse”; plunging into water symbolizes the catechumen’s burial into Christ’s death, from which he rises up by resurrection with him as a new creature

Baptism in the Economy of Salvation

Prefiguration in the Old Covenant

OGreat Flood OCrossing of the Red Sea

OCrossing of the Jordan River

Christ’s Baptism

O Beginning of Jesus’ public life after having been baptized by John the Baptist

O After his resurrection, he gave his mission to the apostles to “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit…”

O Christ’s Passover (Mk 10:38, Lk 12:50)

Baptism in the Church

OThe Church has celebrated and administered Baptism from the very day of Pentecost (Acts 2:38)

OAccording to Paul, the believers enter through Baptism into communion with Christ’s death, is buried with him, and rises with him (Rom 6:3-4)

Mystagogy of the celebration (Initiation into the mystery of

Christ)O Sign of the cross –

marks with the imprint of Christ the one who is going to belong to him and signifies the grace of redemption Christ won for us by his cross

O Proclamation of the word of God – enlightens the candidates and assembly with the revealed truth and elicits the response of faith

Mystagogy Cont.O Exorcism – Baptism signifies

liberation from sin and from its instigator, the devil

O Baptismal water –Baptism is performed by triple immersion in the baptismal water; however from the ancient times, it has also been conferred by pouring water three times over the candidate’s head

O Trinitarian Formula –“N., I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit”

Mystagogy Cont.O Anointing with sacred

chrism – signifies the gift of the Holy Spirit

O White garment – symbolized that the person baptized has “put on Christ” (has risen with Christ)

O Candle – signifies that Christ has enlightened the neophyte

Mystagogy Cont.

O First Holy Communion – admittance to the marriage supper of the Lamb

O Solemn Blessing – concludes the celebration

Grace of Baptism

O For the forgiveness of sinsO Becoming “a new creature”O Incorporation into the Church, the

Body of ChristO Sacramental bond of the unity of

ChristiansO An indelible spiritual mark

Frequently Asked Questions

OIs baptism necessary for salvation?

OWhat about those who die who haven’t been baptized?

OWhy do we still sin after we’re baptized?