Evolution of the Sacrament of Baptism
In the Catholic Church, baptism is seen as necessary for salvation to cleanse us from the taint of Original Sin.
The Council of Trent affirmed the necessity of Baptism. Because human beings are born into Original Sin, infants were to be baptized as soon as possible. With the advent of the Second Vatican Council, which sought new directions in baptismal practices and rituals, baptism is seen primarily as a commitment to Christ, not only a cleansing that erases Original Sin.
Another result of the Second Vatican Council concerns Baptism as admission of adults into the Church. The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA), was reinstated as the norm for adults to come into the Church.
Water, Whiteness & Light
The Sacrament of Baptism is marked by the usage of water, the symbol of newness in life, growth, cleansing, death and resurrection. During the Rite, one is immersed in baptismal water - water that has been blessed by the priest. Alternatively, water from a blessed font is poured over one’s head as these words are uttered by the priest,“N, I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.”
White garments are worn as the colour represents the purity and innocence of the newly baptized.
The baptismal candle, lit from the paschal candle, reminds the baptized to carry the light of Christ into the world.
At an even more meaningful level, Baptism is about dying to one’s old self and old ways and being born again into Christ. This Sacrament unifies us with Jesus in His death and own victorious resurrection, triumphant over death and evil.
Baptismal Sponsors
At least ONE godparent is required at baptism. Since the early days of the Church, sponsors have been a part of the Church’s tradition to attest to the sincerity of those coming into the Church. A sponsor’s role is basically a spiritual relationship, a representative of the community, and in the case of infants, a support to the parents. Adults who are baptized also have a sponsor who acts as a spiritual guide and a baptismal witness.
To be a godparent, one must be a practicing Catholic (baptised and confirmed) at least 16 years old.
Baptism, the Beginning of Richer Life in Christ
Many who are baptized, especially through the RCIA, look at baptism as the peak of their Journey into the Faith. But it is in essence only the beginning. It is vital for Catholics to identify and actively participate in the life of their parish, to apply their faith into the world so their faith may bear fruit. Active Catholics need to reach out to those who have been baptized Catholic and have not been practising their faith.
Infant Baptism
Infant baptisms used to be a private affair, involving the godparents and the family of the infant. These days, the sacraments are seen as a community celebration so the baptism of infants takes place during a special baptism liturgy.
Parents play an important role in the baptism of infants and children who have not yet reached the age of reason. Prior to the baptism, the parents and godparents are prepared and informed. The ritual prayers stress their responsibility for the faith formation of the children.
The Symbols and Rite of Infant Baptism
- Parent and godparents are asked about their expectations of the Church and what they have named the child. The child’s name is significant because it gives identity to the child and is the name by which the child will be known. Traditionally it was to be a saint’s name but the Code of Canon Law stats that “a Christian name in the sense of a saint’s name is not required but only one that is not alien or offensive to Christian sensibilities” (#855).
- Parents and godparents promise solemnly to raise the child in the Catholic faith and verify this as they trace the sign of the cross on the child’s forehead. This signing of the cross is a powerful symbolic gesture and should be done with conscious awareness.
- The baptismal water is blessed and the parents and godparents publicly renew their own baptismal vows and affirm their own faith.
- To ward off evil influences, a prayer for exorcism is said and the child is anointed before and after baptism as a sign of spiritual strength and commitment to Christ.
- To symbolize the cleansing of sin and one’s closeness to God in baptism, a white garment is placed on the newly baptized.
- The priest then touches the eyes, ears and mouth of the baptized and prays for openness to the Word of God.
- A candle is then lit from the paschal candle and handed to the parent of godparent while the priest prays that the light of Christ will illumine one’s life.
- Prayers of blessing for the mother, the father and those gathered conclude the ceremony.
Faith Begins with the Church at Home
For “cradle Catholics” the rite of baptism centers on the parents rather than on the infant. When the parents request the baptism of their child, they are expected to cherish and practise their faith, and understand the serious responsibility they are assuming. After all, parents and the family are the primary Church the young child will experience.
Vatican II specifically states that parents are the primary educators of their children, especially regarding religious instruction. Although Catholic school or parish religious education programs provide formal instructions of faith, they are of little use if the religious instruction is contradicted by the parents’ negative attitude and lack of religion at home.
Adult Baptism
The Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA) is the norm in many dioceses for adults to become full-fledged members of the Catholic Church. The theme of community dominates the RCIA process because Catholicism is community-oriented.
The RCIA process is divided into 4 phases, marked at specific times with symbolic rites celebrated in the presence of the community.
Precatechumenate
A period of inquiry and clarification One’s questions about the faith are answered and faith stories are shared. This period ends with the Rite of Entrance into the Catechumenate, the next phase in the process. The inquiring candidate becomes a Catechumen.
Catechumenate
The catechumens are instructed and participate in the Liturgy of the Word. To become more acquainted with the liturgical Scriptures, the catechumens are guided through significant passages in the Bible that corresponds with their education of the Faith. Through discussion, reflection and prayer, the catechumens decide if they wish to continue the process. The Catechumentate is completed on the first Sunday of Lent via the Rite of Election, at which one officially requests to become a full-fledged Catholic. The catechumens now become known as the elect. To signify one’s acceptance by the community, the person’s name is entered into the Book of the Elect. This ceremony often takes place in the cathedral of the diocese in the presence of the bishop.
Scrutinies
Lent, the period of purification and enlightenment is a special time of conversion for the elect as it is for the community. Scrutinies or prayers for healing and deliverance from evil, held on 3 successive Sundays in Lent, serve as a reminder of everyone’s need for conversion.
Neophytes
The Easter Vigil celebration is the high-point in one’s entrance into the Church. The ceremony dramatically portrays the full richness of the Church’s symbolism. Light and life are the dominant themes celebrated in pomp and splendour. The Easter water is solemnly blessed and the elect are baptized, confirmed, and participate fully at the Eucharist. Those who have already been baptized celebrate confirmation and the Eucharist. The elect are then full-fledged members of the Church and are welcomed by the Catholic community as “neophytes”.
Mystagogia
To allow the neophytes to explore the truths of faith more deeply and reflect on the experience, a further period of formation called “Mystagogia (Greek for “mystery”), continues until Pentecost. The new Catholic learns more about the faith and is invited to share fully in the life and ministry of the parish. “Service” becomes the focal point of the new Catholic’s understanding during this last phase in the process.
To learn more about the RCIA program at the Assumption Church PJ, visit www.rciaassumptionpj.com
Article on Sacrament of Baptism edited from excerpts in “What You Should Know About the Sacraments” by Charlene Altemose, MSC, 2004.
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The Sacrament of Baptism is marked by the usage of water, the symbol of newness in life, growth, cleansing, death and resurrection. During the Rite, one is immersed in baptismal water - water that has been blessed by the priest. Alternatively, water from a blessed font is poured over one’s head as these words are uttered by the priest,“N, I baptize you in the name of the Father, andof the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.”
