Baptism is the first of the seven sacraments of the Church. Through baptism, original sin is washed away and we are freed from sin and reborn as sons of God. Baptism gives new life, forgiveness of sins, and sanctifying grace. It marks us with the sign of Christ and makes us members of the Church. The rites of baptism include renouncing Satan, pouring of water, anointing with chrism, and receiving a candle to represent keeping the light of Christ burning brightly. Parents and godparents play important roles in guiding the baptized to grow in faith.

1. The Garment of Immortality St. Gregory of Nazianzus-Oratio 40 BAPTISM

2. What is Baptism Baptism is the first of the seven sacraments of the Church Baptism washes away original sin through Christ and brings us back to God Through Baptism we are freed from sin and reborn as sons of God Source: CCC

3. Baptism in the Old Testament - Light Baptism is seen as Light : Gen: 1:3-4 Then God said, "Let there be light," and there was light. God saw how good the light was. God then separated the light from the darkness. Col: 1: 12-13 giving thanks to the Father, who has made you fit to share in the inheritance of the holy ones in light. He delivered us from the power of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

4. Baptism in the Old Testament - Water Since the beginning of the world, water has been the source of life and fruitfulness God’s spirit overshadowed the waters During the great flood God made a sign of Baptism that made an end of sin and new beginning of goodness Source: CCC

5. Baptism in the Old Testament - Passage Freeing the children of Abraham through the Red Sea waters from slavery is an image of the people set free in Baptism (Ex. 14: 28-30 & 1 Cor. 10: 1-6) 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.

6. Baptism of Jesus Christ Jesus Himself begins His public ministry after having Himself Baptised by St. John the Baptist in the River Jordan Source: CCC

7. The Commandment to Baptize After His resurrection Jesus commanded His apostles : “ Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” Source: CCC (Mtt. 28:19-20)

8. The Necessity for Baptism Jesus Himself affirms that Baptism is necessary for salvation: “ Truly, I say to you: Unless one is born again of water and the spirit, he cannot enter the Kingdom of God” Jn 3:5. Source: CCC

9. The Grace of Baptism By Baptism all sins are forgiven Original sin and all personal sin as well as all punishment of sin Baptism gives new life to the person and makes the person a member of the Body of Christ - God’s Church Having become a member of the Church, baptism puts a permanent mark (indelible sign) on the person that he belongs to Christ. This mark cannot be removed even by sin Source: CCC

10. The Grace of Baptism Baptism gives sanctifying grace Sanctifying Grace makes the person believe, hope in and love God Gives the power to live under the gifts of the Holy Spirit Allows to grow in moral virtues Source: CCC

11. Faith Baptism gives faith The faith received by the infant is not a perfect and mature faith For all baptised, infants or adults, faith must grow after baptism The faith grows when the baptismal promises are renewed at Easter time Parents, Godparents and the Church community play an important role in helping the baptized person’s faith to grow Source: CCC

12. The Sign of the Cross This sign 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 The Rites of Baptism Source: CCC

13. The Rites of Baptism The Word of God is proclaimed to enlighten the revealed truth and gets the response of faith from the assembly Source: CCC

14. The Rites of Baptism Baptism signifies liberation from sin and the instigator of sin, the devil. Exorcism is performed and Satan is openly renounced This exorcism will prepare the baptized to be able to confess the faith of the Church Source: CCC

15. The Rites of Baptism The pouring of water on the forehead with the words “I baptise you in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” brings about the effects of the sacrament Source: CCC

16. The Rites of Baptism The priest anoints the child with the oil of chrism This anointing is a sign that the baptised person shares in the three powers/functions of Christ of: Priest Prophet King Source: CCC

17. The Rites of Baptism Candles lighted from the paschal candle are handed over to the baptised person/parents to remind them that the light of Christ which is to be kept burning brightly Source: CCC

18. The Rites of Baptism White clothing is used to bring out the point that as children of God the baptised is supposed to keep his soul pure, clean and spotless The servants are supposed to be always ready and spotless for the second coming of the savior After this I saw a great crowd…. standing before the throne of the Lamb, clothed in white… (Rev7:9) Source: Our Faith

19. Role of Parents Guide your children to grow in the faith Christ & the Church Pray for your children & pray with them Bring them to the Eucharistic celebration often Make it possible for them to receive the sacraments of the Church YOUR CHILDREN BELONG TO GOD YOU ARE ENTRUSTED WITH THE DUTY TO BRING THEM UP TO BE HIS TRUE DISCIPLES

20. Role of Parents An important role of parents is bringing them up as members of God’s Kingdom (a life in the New Covenant ) REPENT Sin Death Hatred War Injustice Mammon OLD COVENANT BELIEVE Grace Life Love Peace Justice God NEW COVENANT

21. Role of God-Parents Guide & assist parents in bringing up the child in God’s faith Pray for your children & their parents Encourage parents to bring children often to the Eucharistic Celebration Be examples of Good Christian living to parents & Godchildren YOU ARE ENTRUSTED WITH THE DUTY TO ASSIST THE PARENTS IN BRINGING UP THE CHILDREN TO BE CHRIST’S TRUE DISCIPLES

22. The Garment of Immortality St. Gregory of Nazianzus-Oratio 40 BAPTISM