Short Recap and BaptismMuch to do…

…so little time.

What does Christ do for us? He is our way of salvation, reestablished us as sons and daughters of God, repaired the damage of sin, fulfill the will of the Father, establish the Kingdom of Heaven on earth, establish the Kingdom of Heaven on earth,

revealed to us the mysteries of God, show us the way, perfect the Old commandments,

perfectly atone for sin.

Why the Church? For us, to continue His message and His saving actions on earth until he comes again. Gave the apostles His own authority – telling

them MT 28 – teach, baptize. Through the assistance of the HS, the Church

continues the mission of Christ, conveying the grace of God through the Sacraments which he established.

Original meaning of Sacrament? Initiation oath. Pledge allegiance to the emperor Not just ordinary citizens anymore. In something bigger than themselves. They are transformed into soldiers with a mission vital to the empire. Transcends? So what is similar and how does it go beyond it?

Transformation by GRACE Grace from Christ and are formed into Christ, into the Church, the mystical

body Sacraments are signs in which Christ is at work.

So sacraments are TRANSFORMING ACTIONS OF CHRIST

Grace God’s gift to us-

We see graces all the time. God’s help is everywhere. You don’t have to be Christian to receive them. Everyone receives actual grace.

So what about more permanent grace? Habitual grace? That which unites us in a more unique and real way that transforms us? How does it get into the soul???

Two types of Grace Actual grace

Available to every person on earth regardless of religion or state of holiness Freely given by God to help us perform good acts and avoid evil acts

Sanctifying Given through the sacraments, starting at baptism, Sharing in God’s own life, Transforms us into being like God if we cooperate with him. Our own free response is the only necessary condition. From this grace we are IN THE NEW COVENANT – Sets it apart, unique Without this grace we would live purely natural lives, stuck on earth with no direct

connection with God (Explain) habitual

Sacramental grace is the particular grace relevant to what each sacrament produces.

What is necessary to receive grace of sacraments? Our free response Disposition

Intention to receive Spiritual condition

What is the effect of venial and mortal sins on sanctifying grace? Venial weakens the active power of grace Mortal destroys the relationship with God

How can we restore sanctifying grace to our souls after mortal sin? Sacrament of reconciliation

In what two ways is Christ the primary actor in each sacrament? Through the physical sign and through the human minister. What are the signs?

When one receives a sacrament, what Person does he encounter? In persona Christi The Person of Christ

Why is having Christ as principal minister of the sacraments a comfort to the faithful?

How is God’s use of imperfect instruments in the sacraments consistent with the Sacred Scriptures?

Overview – Instituted by Christ

And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Spirit came on them. Acts 19:6

Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the F, and of the S, and of the HS. Mt 28:19

Take, eat; this is my body…Drink of it, all of you; for this is my bloodOf the covenant… Mt. 26:26-28

What therefore God has joined together, let no man put asunder. Mk 10:9

Do this in remembrance of me. Lk 22:19

If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven. Jn 20:23

And let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. Jas 5:14

Element Explanation Example

Matter Physical substance that is the visible sign of God’s Grace

Water is the matter of Baptism

Form Words and actions by which the matter becomes an efficacious sign

Laying on of hands for Holy Orders

Minister The person through whom Christ acts to make the sacrament effective

Bishop or priest in Eucharist/ couple themselves in Matrimony

Three Elements for Valid Sacrament

Initiation

Discussion What is Initiation all about?

In the sacramental life of the Church, there are 3 sacraments of Initiation: Baptism Confirmation Eucharist

These incorporate one fully into the Body of Christ

Identify 3 Sacraments - Acts 2:37-42 Acts 2:37-40

Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and they asked Peter and the other apostles, "What are we to do, my brothers?“

Peter (said) to them, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the holy Spirit. For the promise is made to you and to your children and to all those far off, whomever the Lord our God will call."

Acts 2:41, 42 Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three

thousand persons were added that day. They devoted themselves to the teaching of the apostles and to the communal life, to the breaking of the bread and to the prayers.

Baptism – Repent and be baptized Confirmation - You shall receive the Holy Spirit Eucharist – The breaking of bread.

From story of Pentecost we get a clear description of how the Sacraments of Initiation were celebrated in the earliest Christian community in Jerusalem.

From day one B, C, and E have been the foundation of the Christian life.

Baptism one is born anew, Confirmation they are strengthened by the HS, and Eucharist spiritually nourished.

Baptism – The FirstOrigins

Theology

Practiced

Introduction to Baptism - John 3:1-7 Now there was a Pharisee named Nicodemus, a ruler of the

Jews. He came to Jesus at night and said to him, "Rabbi, we know that you

are a teacher who has come from God, for no one can do these signs that you are doing unless God is with him.“ Jesus answered and said to him, "Amen, amen, I say to you, no one can see the kingdom of God without being born from above.“

Nicodemus said to him, "How can a person once grown old be born again? Jesus answered, "Amen, amen, I say to you, no one can enter the

kingdom of God without being born of water and Spirit. What is born of flesh is flesh and what is born of spirit is spirit.

Do not be amazed that I told you, 'You must be born anew.‘

What’s going on here?

Introduction Nicodemus didn’t understand what being born anew

was about. He thought that to have eternal life we must be re-

born. born first from the mother’s womb, common to all,

which give biological life, membership in human community.

Jesus speaks of birth from baptism, which the Holy Spirit gives supernatural life and membership into the family of God.

What is baptism? It is the doorway into the life of Christ

Into his mystical body Into his Church

Through it one receives membership in the Church, access to other sacraments.

Therefore, It is the foundation of the Christian life.

Prefiguration of Baptism in the OT What is prefiguration? Easter Vigil reminds us of the importance of

water in salvation as a symbol of God’s creative power and purification

In Creation Spirit breathes over the waters making them holy

Think/Share Why is water absolutely necessary to life and one of the

greatest gifts that God has given? Think about the question Write down a couple answers Share your answers

Water is a source of life and fruitfulness on earth. Vital to human life, so Central to religious expression Bodies are composed of water Couldn’t grow food without it Can only live a few days without it We vacation to water spots

Water in the OT

Noah and the flood Moses Crossing of Red Sea Israelites crossing the Jordan River

Noah and the Flood What was the state of the world? What did God decide to do? What did he tell Noah to do? What is the role of water in this story?

Cleansing the earth Baptism water cleanses us from the sins of the world.

The ark can be seen as a type, a prefiguring, of what? The Church. Waters rage around and Noah is safe in

the walls of it.

Peter saw this connection in the NT 1 Peter 3:20-21

God patiently waited in the days of Noah during the building of the ark, in which a few persons, eight in all, were saved through water.

This prefigured baptism, which saves you now. It is not a removal of dirt from the body but an appeal to God for a clear conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ,

Crossing of the Red Sea What was the background? Summary of events leading up to this? What happens at this event?

This prefigures baptism How so?

Those who pass through the waters of baptism are freed from the slavery of sin, while former lives are washed away.

St. Paul saw this connection in the NT 1 Cor 10:1-4

I do not want you to be unaware, brothers, that our ancestors were all under the cloud and all passed through the sea, and all of them were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea.

All ate the same spiritual food, and all drank the same spiritual drink, for they drank from a spiritual rock that followed them, and the rock was the Christ.

He connects the Eucharist and Baptism with these events.

What is he saying here? Connect it with the New Covenant – Sacramental grace, the PM.

Crossing Jordan River What’s happening here?

40 years of wandering in the desert They cross to enter the promised land

Baptism connection? The beginning of the journey to the heavenly

kingdom, the ultimate promised land.

God uses the physical world God uses material from the physical world to reveal

himself and touch our lives In these stories God shows his mercy and

forgiveness to those IN THEM, and those that hear about them, eh?

Uses physical experiences to bring people into new life

In Baptism, God offers every person the same forgiveness, bringing them into new life in Christ.

Writing Assignment Write for 5 minutes on how God’s use of

water for the matter of the Sacrament of Baptism perfectly fits with human nature.

Questions What is the difference between our physical

birth from our mothers’ wombs and our rebirth in Baptism?

Why is Baptism seen as the basis and foundation of the Christian life?

Jewish Purification Origin of name baptize.

Greek – baptizein – to plunge, to immerse, to dip. Hebrew – tabal – used to describe religious actions

First Passover – branch of hyssop was dipped (baptized) into blood

Touching the dead – ritually unclean – hyssop would be (baptized) dipped in water and sprinkled over the person to purify them.

If priest sinned, he was to baptize (dip) his finger in blood of bull and sprinkle it on temple veil 7 times

OT Uses of Baptism… Used the word for a Ritual act or ceremony

W / sprinkling of blood or water to purify from uncleanliness or evil

Associated with this idea in the NT Symbolic physical action to see the

metaphysical reality Washing oneself physically – washing oneself

spiritually.

John the BaptistSimilarities and differences

At the time of Christ Ritual washings for purification and forgiveness of sins. Essenes practiced these things daily John’s baptism was for forgiveness of sins

Not yet a sacrament. Why not? John showed a distinction:

I baptize with water for repentance He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit (Mt 3:11) (Grace) John’s did not actually forgive sins, but was a mental conversion of

the person to change…desiring forgiveness John’s was a reminder with symbols. Jesus’ gave the Holy Spirit through the baptism with water. See the difference?

Why was Christ Baptized?? He did not need to be baptized

He was sinless. He continually fulfilled the law even when it didn’t

apply to him directly. He was circumcised, he was consecrated in the Temple…

etc. Submitted himself to John (the prophet chosen by

God) and associated himself with all of mankind. Uses his baptism as the indication of his earthly

ministry.

Institution of Baptism by Christ

Through Christ we have salvation and forgiveness of sin… On the cross God accomplishes his saving work…

blood and water from His side were ‘types’ of baptism and the Eucharist.

After Death and Resurrection he institutes the Sacrament of Baptism.

“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.” – Matthew 28

A different Baptism

This baptism was fundamentally different than John’s or the other water rituals Jews performed.

Think/Pair/Share What does it mean to say “Baptism is

regeneration through water and the Word”?

Regeneration is rebirth Christ said you must be reborn Water is matter Word is the form

Baptism as a SacramentThrough Baptism, a person is cleansed of all sin, both Original and actual, becomes a member of the body of Christ, and receives the grace needed to enter Heaven.

RITE OF BAPTISM AND MARKS WITH SEAL

Homework p 69-71

CCC 1213 Through Baptism we are freed from sin and

reborn as sons of God; we become members of Christ, are incorporated into the Church and made sharers in her mission: "Baptism is the sacrament of regeneration

through water and in the word."

Daniel Cardinal DiNardo issued this statement regarding the Department of Health and Human Services’ Jan. 20 announcement that it will not change its mandate that sterilization, abortifacients and contraception be included in virtually all health plans: 

As shepherd of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston and chair of the U.S. Bishops’ Committee on Pro-Life Activities, I am distressed to learn that the Department of Health and Human Services’ mandate that sterilization, abortifacients and contraception be included in virtually all health plans is being upheld. This mandate gravely compromises religious liberty.

The contraceptive/sterilization mandate imposed on health plans by HHS violates religious freedom, which is guaranteed by the First Amendment and several federal laws. Forcing all employers to buy coverage for sterilization and contraceptives, including drugs that induce abortion, is a radical incursion into religious liberty and freedom of conscience.

HHS's mandate includes an incredibly narrow exemption for "religious employers" that protects almost no one. Those who sponsor, purchase and issue health plans should not be forced to violate their deeply held moral and religious convictions in order to take part in the health care system or provide for the needs of their families, their employees or those most in need. 

Today’s announcement that the mandate and its very narrow exemption will not change is deeply disappointing to me. As Cardinal-designate Timothy Dolan, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, said, “To force American citizens to choose between violating their consciences and forgoing their health care is literally unconscionable. It is as much an attack on access to health care as on religious freedom.”

I join my brother bishops, fellow Catholics and all people of goodwill who prize religious liberty as a cornerstone of our common life in expressing strong opposition to the HHS mandate.

By Daniel Cardinal DiNardo

Many Names - Each name of Baptism describes different effects that it has upon the recipient A Grace

Bestows on the baptized the divine life of God making us his children A washing of regeneration

Through it, the old person dies to sin and a new person is raised up in Christ A Renewal by the Holy Spirit

In Baptism a person receives the Holy Spirit promised by Christ A Gift

The grace given to the baptized is freely bestowed by God and can in no way be merited or earned by our efforts

An anointing The baptized is made a participant in the K, P, and P mission of JC

A Clothing The person puts on Jesus Christ

A Bath It washes us clean of all sin, both original and actual

A Seal Because it leaves an indelible mark designating the Christian as belonging to

Christ.

Sacramental grace Each sacrament carries with it gifts of the HS

which are associated with that sacrament’s salvific grace.

The grace of BAPTISM is called the grace of Justification. Why? Through this Sacrament that a person is justified

in the eyes of God, becoming a ‘new creation’. The whole origin of the Christian’s supernatural

life has its beginning in Baptism.

First Sacrament of Initiation Beginning and foundation of Christian life

Discuss what that means Valid from other denominations Symbol of womb and tomb (death and life) How can original sin be forgiven?

Guilty for something we had no control over? Sin is a rupture of relationship with God

Forgive sins is a restoration of relationship Both O and A separate us from God, both need to be

forgiven.

Forgives and Removes Punishment Two separate things – forgive sins and

remove punishment Discuss Natural parallel? (crime?)

Baptism does both (penance no) Consequences of sin remain.

Discuss Natural parallel? (crime?)

Gifts through Baptism: Removal of Original Sin and actual sin, if present Imprinting of an indelible sign that consecrates the person for Christ Member of Christ Entry into the Church, His Body Sanctifying grace – a share in God’s life Sharer in the priesthood of Christ Adoption by the Father as his child Become a temple of the HS – capable of worshiping God as he desires Actual grace – assistance to resist sin Infused theological virtues

Faith, hope, love Moral Virtues

Prudence, justice, temperance, fortitude. These help perfect the theological virtues

Entry into Paradise after a life lived in Christ

Indelible Mark Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Orders imprints an

indelible mark on the soul It designates one as a follower of Christ. Can’t be removed or changed or covered. Mark is given ex opere operato

By the very fact of receiving the Sacrament. For THIS reason, baptism can only be received once. One wishing to become Catholic is not re-baptized,

if they received a valid baptism already.

2.2.2012Homework: p. 74-78

Section Review Part 1 (due tonight)

Tomorrow: You will be taken to the library. You are to work on one of two things. Your project/paper, or the Section Review Part 2. It will be due Sunday Midnight

Which of the above sins does Baptism eliminate? All. Baptism remits Original Sin and Personal sin and

grants sanctifying grace, but concupiscence remains.

Original Sin

SIN Mortal Sin

Actual Sin Venial Sin

Justin Martyr – 150 AD As many as are persuaded and believe that what we

(Christians) teach and say is true, and undertake to be able to live accordingly…are brought by us where there is water, and are regenerated in the same manner in which we were ourselves regenerated.

For, in the name of God, the Father and Lord of the universe, and of our Savior Jesus Christ, and of the Holy Spirit, they then receive the washing with water.

For Christ also said, ‘Except you be born again, you shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.’”

According to him, how did the early Church practice Baptism?

History of Christian Initiation

Early Christian Communities Persecuted Converts were brought to the Church intimately and

personally These catechumens (people preparing for Baptism)

were able to hear the Liturgy of the Word, but the Liturgy of the Eucharist was only for those baptized.

313 – Legalization of Christianity No persecution, so no more secrecy, larger ‘parishes’ and

most people baptized. Most baptized, infant baptism became the norm.

Period of Inquiry One makes it known they want to be baptized He would be questioned about the desire and

reasons to join the Church by the bishop They would be accompanied by another respected

Christian. This person would answer the questions and take the

care to lead the person and teach him. Godparents today take on this role.

Catechumenate Once thought to be ready, they would be

admitted into the Order of Catechumens They would spend a couple years being

instructed in the Gospel. It took time to throw off pagan customs and take

hold of unique Christian ideas

Period of Purification and Enlightenment Rite of Election (after 2-3 years of cat.)

The elect would be taken in. Spiritual preparation for entry into the Church 40 days before Easter. They would be questioned again.

Celebration of Sacraments and more Holy Saturday night baptism. Followed by more formation in the faith.

Name of Period How long did it last? Title of Person Participating

Necessity of Baptism for SalvationPlus Baptism of infants

“The Church does not know of any means other than Baptism that assures entry into eternal beatitude…” CCC 1257

John 3:5 – Unless one is born again… Matthew 28 – Command to baptize

‘God has bound salvation to the sacrament of Baptism, but God is not bound by his sacraments.’ – CCC 1257

Christ’s death on the Cross saves us – paschal mystery – and it is communicated through Baptism

Salvation apart from Baptism with Water, which is the norm

Baptism of Blood – When a person not baptized with water suffers death for the sake of his or her faith in Jesus Christ Common in early days CCC 1258 – The Church has always held the firm conviction that those who suffer death for the

sake of the faith without having received Baptism proper are baptized by their death for and with Christ.

Brings about the fruits of Baptism without being a sacrament. Baptism of Desire (Explicit desire)

One who desires baptism, seeks it, but dies before they are able to receive it. For catechumens who die before their Baptism, their explicit desire to receive it, with repentance

and charity, assures them the salvation they were not able to receive through the sacrament. Baptism of Implicit Desire

Non-Christians (Christ’s Redemption is for all) Those who for no fault of their own do not know Jesus Christ

Every person ignorant of the Gospel (ignorant, not knowing it and denying it)… Who seeks truth and does God’s will according to his understanding can be saved through Christ. You can suppose these persons would have desired Baptism Explicitly if they had known it was

necessary Infants and Unborn. God’s mercy is for all.

God desires all to be saved, so infants and unborn who commit no sins of their own and who have not been given the opportunity to hear Christ’s message aren’t denied his mercy and grace.

Who can Receive Baptism? Adults and infants have received from the earliest days of the

Church “Since the beginning of the Church, adult Baptism is the

common practice where the proclamation of the Gospel is still new.” (CCC 1247) But also the practice of infant Baptism is an immemorial tradition of the Church.

For infants, the Church recognizes their need for Baptism. References in NT and in Early Church Whole households… Acts 16:15, 18:8, 1 Cor 1:16

St. Hippolytus in 215 – “Baptize first the children, and if they can speak for themselves let them do so. Otherwise, let their parents or other relatives speak for them.”

Parents do what is best for their children. Make choices for children in life – nutrition,

education, medical care, etc. These are important for child and no one

would consider waiting for the child to decide for themselves about these things.

The same love moves parents to have their children baptized

Freedom of the Child Baptized Each child will one day have to take responsibility for

decisions made for them True in all areas of life Is it an imposition on the child’s freedom? Would you deny your child food because they didn’t choose

it? Infant baptism needs post-baptismal catechumenate.

Read page 82. What are three reasons the Church baptizes infants?

What do you ask of God’s Church Baptism Accept responsibility to raise the child in the faith To teach the child the faith Parent’s are responsible for the physical and

spiritual well being of the child.

But kids haven’t said yes on their own. So…? Think of the real world

Godparents and Sponsors Godparent

Role is to help the baptized child lead a Christian life Not just honorary title

Two Sponsors or one sponsor and a Christian witness Must be confirmed Catholic who has received first

communion (full initiation) at least 16* Godparent is addition to parents, therefore one can’t

be both parent and godparent.

Look at the Ceremony in Book

Major sections of baptismal liturgy? Sign of the cross Reading of the Word of God and homily Litany of Saints Anointing with Oil of Catechumens Renewal of Promises Baptism itself Anointing with Holy Chrism Clothing in white and candle Lord’s Prayer Blessing for Mother, Father, and all others present

Matter For water to be effective, it must have contact with the body in some way.

Aspersion: Used only in exceptional circumstances. Sprinkling Affusion/Infusion: From the first century, the norm today. Pouring of water. Immersion: In the early Church and becoming more common again today. Dipping or plunging of the whole person in water.

Don’t forget the two principal Effects of Baptism: Forgiveness of sins, washing away of sins, removal of sins Regeneration (new birth) in the Holy Spirit.

One negative (taking away) one positive (giving)

Form N., I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.” (ccc 1240)

These come directly from Christ’s command  Minister

The ordinary minister of the sacrament of Baptism is a bishop, priest, or deacon. In the case of necessity, anyone may baptize, even a non-baptized person, provided that he or she

intends to accomplish what the Church intends by Baptism. In this case, the person pours water over the recipient’s head three times while saying the form.

Why can a non-Christian not be a Godparent? What is the basic vocation of every Christian? What is the catechumenate? In the case of children not able to express their faith or request baptism,

who makes the profession of faith? Parents and Godparents

Who can baptize? How old is the practice of infant baptism? Is infant baptism an imposition on the child’s freedom? What does the Church mean when it teaches Baptism in necessary to be

saved? Why is it not unreasonable to require Baptism for those who have heard

the Gospel and understand that it is necessary for salvation?