| BAPTISM |
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| Baptism - of a child (infant) is the norm. Catholics baptize babies shortly after birth. The old belief was that baptism was "the ticket to heaven" and no child who died without went to heaven. Baptism can also occur in older children and adults, called converts. This usually takes place on Easter Vigil (see Lent to Easter), in which older children or adults receive Baptism, First Communion and Confirmation at the same time |
| To celebrate Jesus beginning ministry He was baptized in the River Jordan by John the Baptist. In representation of God freeing His people from slavery, leading them safely across the Red Sea. And later after crossing the desert crossing the Jordan River and entering the Promised Land. Therefore water is the main ingredient. Through Baptism we are restored to the original holiness, with our loss of original sin.. |
| Through the waters of Baptism, we as New members of the Church die and are buried with Jesus; and then raised from the watery tomb with the Risen Jesus, into a new life in the spirit. We emerge united to Jesus, as a new disciple, and a new member of his community of disciples, the CHurch. |
| Since babies can't speak for themselves, and also because someone needs to be representative in the church, Godparents are chosen. |
| Rite of Baptism Blessing the water - a priest, or a deacon blesses the waters and then calls the parents, and godparents forward. The priest then asks the godparents (represatatives of the child) to turn away from their sins, and to profess their faith. This profesion of faith is like the Apostle Creed. Asking each sentence like a question? Sprinkling water, or pouring water over a child's head celebrates the beginning of discipleship. Anointing of chism -oil, in which the priest says and makes the sign of the cross on the forehead of baby symboizing our union with Jesus. as an "anointed one". Dressed in white - Then a child is given a white gown symbolizing "putting on Christ" and becomes a new person. Light a candle; The Godparents then light a smaller candles off the Easter candle which represents the Resurrected Christ, the light of the world. |
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