CLE REVIEWER Why is Baptism the most important

sacrament?
Topic 1: Sacrament of Baptism
A. Because it transforms us into God’s people.
What does the word baptism mean?
B. We receive Christ’s salvation and new life.
 The word baptism comes from a Greek
word that means: C. It gives us the promise of eternal life.
 “To plunge” or
D. Forgives original sin.
 “To immerse” (go under)
βαπτίζω - Baptizo
What is original sin?
The reality of:
What does baptism symbolizes?
B. Pain
 Going under water symbolizes our burial
into the death of Christ. C. Brokenness
 It also symbolizes our rising up to new D. Suffering
life in Christ.
 Our union with Christ in this life and the E. Alienation
next. In which we are all born into
God saves us from this reality through baptism
A. Biblical/Historical Foundations
-> Sacred Scriptures sees it as “overshadowed” 3 Types of Baptism
by the Spirit of God
A. Baptism of Water
-> The Church seen in Noah’s ark a prefiguring
of salvation by Baptism B. Baptism of Blood

-> If water springing up from the earth  Those who although not baptized died
symbolizes life, the water of sea is a symbol of for the Christian faith.
death.  Their blood unites them with Christ and
his destiny.
-> By this symbolism, Baptism signifies
communication with Christ’s death. C. Baptism of Desire

-> The crossing of Red Sea announces the
liberation brought by Baptism.
 Those who although not baptized
wished in this life to receive baptism,
but died before its reception.
(Catechumens)
 Those who although do not know Christ,
live and follow the will of God on this
Earth.
Seal of Baptism
A. An eternal mark on the person’s soul
B. This mark makes the person belong to Christ.
C. It can’t never be erased.
D. It enables the person to do God’s will on this
earth.
Sacramental Character
Why is the seal important?
A. The seal is important because it is a sign of
our faith.
B. During our lives on this earth we are called
to keep his sign of faith alive and strong.
What are the effects of baptism?
A. Baptism purifies us from sin.
B. Baptism gives us new life through the Holy
Spirit.
C. We become new creatures, Sons and
daughters of God by adoption.
D. We become members of the body of Christ.
E. We become disciples of Jesus’ teachings.
F. Baptism gives us the right to receive the rest
of the sacraments
G. Baptism gives us the grace to receive eternal
life
Who are the ordinary ministers of baptism?
- The Bishop
- The Priest
- The Deacon
In case of Emergency, anyone can baptized
Matter: Water
Form: I baptize you ____ in the name of the
Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit
Note: No AMEN.
The matter is WATER, which should be true
water, for the sake of the authentic
sacramental symbolism.
Water – should be clean.
– the use of plastic containers and
bottles should be avoided.
– is a natural symbol.
Water symbolizes many things.
1. It cleanses, a sign that they want to be clean
spiritually and physically, it refreshes.
2. Bathing enables people to experience a
regeneration of energy.
3. It gives life.
REQUIREMENTS: The Catholic Church’s Code of
Canon Law lists these requirements for a
person to be a valid and lawful godparent in
Baptism:
 Canon 872 -The godparent’s role with
the parents is to present the infant for
the sacrament of Baptism and help the
child live a life befitting a baptized
Catholic Christian.
 Canon 873 –There may be only one
male godparent or one female
godparent or one of each.
  Canon 874 §1 To be permitted to take
on the function of godparent a person
must:
1. Be designated by the parent and must be
mature enough to undertake this
responsibility;
2. Be at least 16 years of age;
3. Have received the three sacraments of
initiation namely Baptism, Eucharist and
Confirmation and live a life of faith in keeping
with the function to be taken on;
4. Not be bound by any canonical penalty
legitimately imposed or declared by the
Church;
5. Must not be the father or mother of the one
to be baptized; §2 A baptized person who
belongs to a non-Catholic Christian community
may not be admitted as a godparent but as a
witness to the Baptism together with a Catholic
godparent.
The Role of Godparents
To be chosen as a godparent is a special honor.
You have been entrusted with the
responsibility to participate in this child’s
Catholic life and education. This privilege offers
you the opportunity to develop a mutually
enriching spiritual relationship –one that will
last throughout this life and beyond. There are
many ways you can nurture this spiritual
relationship and become a special friend to our
godchild. Among them are:
 Celebrate the anniversary of this holy
day of Baptism each year with a visit, a
call or a card.
 As your godchild grows, listen to and
share in the struggles and triumphs of
living a Christian life, and keep your self-
informed on the Christian doctrine and
values, to be able to answer questions
as they arise.
 Encourage a consistent life of faith
through special cards, letters, or gifts,
which celebrate holy events...Christmas,
Easter...and personal growth
events...graduation, first job,
engagement. (Gift suggestions: a bible,
spiritual book, rosary, religious jewelry,
gift certificate for religious goods/books,
retreat opportunity.)
 Participate in, or send assurance of
prayer, as your godchild receives the
other sacraments, particularly First
Communion and Confirmation, which
complete initiation into the Church
community.
 Be supportive of your godchild’s parents
in their role as the primary religious
educators of their child.
 And most importantly, become a model
of Catholic living for your godchild,
through daily prayer, virtue and active
participation in parish life and liturgy. By
living a Christian life in partnership with
your godchild, both of you will
experience the great joy of sharing a life
of faith.
B.8 Adult Baptism
The baptism ceremony for adults is similar to
baptism of children except that you make the
baptismal promises yourself. Instead of
godparent adults have sponsors whose role is
to encourage you in the Catholic faith.
Some rules for administering baptism of adults: The Rite of Baptism:
1. As adult should not be baptized without his 1. Reception of the Children
knowledge and consent, and then only after
2. Liturgy of the Word
being duly instructed. Moreover, he must have
true compunction of his sins. 3. Prayer of Exorcism

2. The priest who is to baptize adults, as well as
the candidates themselves, if in good health,
ought properly to be fasting. Unless prevented
by grave reasons, immediately following
baptism an adult should assist at Mass and
receive Holy Communion.
3. The priest should inform himself of the
candidate’s status, particularly when dealing
with strangers. In these cases let him make
careful inquiry as to whether they were ever
baptized elsewhere and whether it was done
properly.
4. Renunciation of Sin and Profession of Faith
5. The Celebration of Baptism
6. Anointing with the Sacred Chrism
 Chrism is HOLY OIL made of Olive Oil
and Perfume.
 Blessed by the BISHOP once a year every
MAUNDY THURSDAY At the CATHEDRAL
It symbolize that the Child is dedicated to
Christ and shares in His threefold mission as:
PRIEST – a mission to connect people to God

Every unbaptized is a candidate for baptism. PROPHET – a mission to preach the Word of
The parents of infants must vouch for the God
Catholic upbringing of their children. KING – a mission to serve others
7. Clothing with White Garment
Other symbols used in the sacramental 8. Lighting of Candle
celebration of baptism:
9. Our Father – Final Blessing
1. Anointing – the anointing with Chrism after
Baptism is a sign of the royal priesthood of the
baptized and their enrolment into the company
of the People of God.
2. White Garment – is a symbol of their new
dignity.
3. Lighted Candle – it shows their vocation to
live as befits children of light.