What happens in the Sacrament of Baptism?

The form of baptism has varied throughout the ages due to simple circumstances such as individual needs and places. Usually, the logistics dealing with the space needed for baptism, the time, and who the persons are who are being baptized, translates to logistics for performing the Rite of the Sacrament of Baptism. The emphasis on the physical sign (water) remains unchanged throughout the centuries of Christianity. Its particular use may vary, from a physical ‘Dunking’ in water, pouring of water over the candidate, to a small pour on the forehead as is done many times with infants. 

Depending on the environment of the church and the logistics for Baptism, the sacrament will consist of pouring water on the head or a full immersion into a pool of water. Before you panic (or go out and buy a new wet suit) ask your OCIA mentor how baptism is done at the church where you will be baptized. 

What is done during the sacrament is generally quite simple:

• The celebrant (Bishop, Priest or deacon) of the Sacrament makes a sign of a cross on the forehead of the candidate.[1]

• The word is proclaimed (Scripture readings).[2]

• There is an anointing with holy oil, properly termed ‘sacred chrisms.’[3]

• With adolescents and adults, the question is asked directly to them;

• o “What do you ask of God’s Church?” The response is: “Faith!”

• Then there is the pouring, sprinkling, or immersion in water

• Often the elect is robed or given a cloth of white to connote purity. This symbolizes the spiritual alb you wear until death. 

• A candle is lit as a sign you have received the light of Christ.

Today in all the rites, whether Latin, or Eastern, the Christian initiation of adults begins with their entry into the catechumenate (OCIA). Then in readiness to receive the sacraments they go through the Rite of Election and become the “Elect.” In finality as a catechumen elect  it reaches its culmination in a single celebration of the three sacraments of initiation: Baptism, Confirmation, and the Eucharist.[4]

The baptism can occur in a full Liturgy (which is normally the case for the OCIA candidate where it is celebrated within the Mass). After the readings, the candidate(s) may reenter from the back of the church (Vestibule). Then those who ae to receive the sacraments are called to go up to the Baptism fount (the piscina). Here the candidate assembled with their godparent(s) approach the celebrant and baptismal font and is baptized with their new Christian name. Yes; you get to pick out a patron saint’s name.

In the Latin Church, there is what is called a triple infusion accompanied by the minister’s words:

“Person’s Name,  I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.”[5]

Water is poured on the elect three times or they are dipped into the water three times. The elect now baptized, is anointed with holy chrism oil, and their godparents light the candle, so the elect may; “Receive the Light of Christ.”

The outward signs of Baptism  are water, white garment, candlelight, and sacred chrism.  These signs are aspects that can be physically sensed which signifies what is occurring in the sacrament. Some signs are visual, audible, or felt. In some parts of the sacrament, certain aspects appeal to more than one sense. The signs afford a sensible retention of the invisible reality from the sacrament as it affects an inward change by the graces of God. Another aspect of ‘outward’ is that it is public and done within the Body of Christ (the faith community).

Within the Body of Christ, ‘the Church’ you find the life presented to you in which to live as a follower of Christ. You become initiated into “the way” as given by Christ. In the Body of Christ, you choose and are given grace to follow “the way” of Christ.

42 They devoted themselves to the teaching of the apostles and to the communal life, to the breaking of the bread and to the prayers.

Acts 2:42

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[1] CCC1235

[2] CCC1236

[3] CCC 1241

[4] CCC 1233

[5] CCC 1240

What happens to me at the time of Baptism?

Having become a member of the Church, you as the newly baptized belong no longer to yourself but to Jesus who died for your sins and rose from the dead so that you might gain access to heaven.[1] Belonging to Jesus Christ you are said to belong to the “Body of Christ.” As such you choose to seek and follow the will of God.

• Your old self dies.

• You become a new creation. As such you begin to be transformed by Christ.

• You are raised to a new life in the Holy Spirit[2]

• There is a spiritual indelible mark placed on your soul.[3]

• You are purified of original sin and all personal sin.[4]

• You receive sanctifying grace which is the grace of justification.[5]

• Baptism makes you a member of the Body of Christ.

• Receive the Three Theological virtues; Faith, Hope, Charity(Love)

The life you receive from baptism is a “Regeneration” into a new life. St. Justin Martyr who lived from 100 – 165AD, says this:

They (those to be baptized) then 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 ... The reason for this we have received from the Apostles.

 (St. Justin Martyr  - First Apology, Ch. 61)

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[1] CCC 1269

[2] CCC 1262

[3] CCC 1272 - 1274

[4] CCC 1265

[5] CCC 1266

Marked for Life!

Baptism, places  an indelible mark[1], (a seal) on your soul indicating you are Baptized. From God’s goodness through Baptism, you are positioned to receive grace to grow as a follower of Christ. At Baptism, all your sins are expunged and an internal change has begun which is intrinsic; that is your new nature. This transformation is for all Christians, but it does end here. You have been given a new lifestyle which must be continued through the remainder of your life. As a true Christian, you strive to have your nature transformed by the will of God.

Transformation is the key word. While your faith may begin internally, it is not meant to be internalized only (sit and read holy things and think holy thoughts). With God’s grace allow your faith to become your very being; an innate and essential aspect of your being. As such you begin to do those things and behave the way God would have you do. By God’s grace, this is more so for your sake to grow in faith, hope and love. The Holy Spirit prompts you to move towards God’s will. This in turn translates into choices and action, which without, you would never have your faith tested.

Does this mean your faith practice should be only extrinsic? Only doing acts of piety for others to see (Hey look at me and see how Holy I am!)? No! Such acting out is pure hypocrisy and is repudiated by Christ Himself. False piety does you no good at all. Rather, you come to Christ and in humility you continually ask for His transforming grace and guidance on how to Live your Christian life. Since you put on Christ in your Baptism, you must walk and do as Christ did, through prayer and acts of charity. You do it with humility and without fanfare or drawing attention to yourself. 

Baptism according to the Didache

There is a 1st century Christian document (70A.D – 110 A.D.) the Church refers to as the Didache (Did – ah- kay). Known as “The Teaching of the Apostles,” it circulated in the early Church and in it mentions Baptism. It does not convey specific beliefs related to baptism such as the removal of Original Sin, dying to self, rebirth in Christ, or other related theology. The Didache was written more so as an instruction manual for clergy to perform Baptism rather than a work of theology or apologetics.

Didache - Concerning baptism

And concerning baptism, baptize this way: "Having first said all these things, baptize into the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19) in living water. But if you have not living water, baptize into other water; and if you can, not in cold, in warm. But if you have not either, pour out water thrice upon the head into the name of Father and Son and Holy Spirit. But before the baptism let the baptizer fast, and the baptized, and whatever others can; but you shall order the baptized to fast one or two days before."                                                     (Didache ch.7)

As proof, it stems from the beginning of Christianity, testifying that during the Apostolic (The Apostles of Jesus were still alive) period, baptism was performed. The practice and purpose concerning baptism were handed on to their successors, the next generation of bishops. Note the above text from the Didache also refers to “living water” a term the Catholic Church uses but now it is called “Holy Water.”

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[1] Ephesians 3:30 “… the Holy Spirit of God, in whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.”

Is Baptism Necessary for salvation?

The Church, provides the sacrament of Baptism instituted by Christ, as the normative means of initiation into the faith for purposes of salvation. Teaching what was taught by the Apostles, the Catholic Church rightly claims baptism is necessary for salvation. It is the beginning of sanctifying grace which gives supernatural life. With baptism, a person begins living their new life with faith in God. The new life offered by grace is supernatural and draws them closer to God. In baptism, the newly initiated die to their old nature and are given a new nature which makes available for them a fountain of grace that gives them new life.

Or are you unaware that we who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were indeed buried with him through baptism into death, so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might live in newness of life.         Rom 6:3-4

Baptism is part of God’s intended plan of salvation.

... not because of any righteous deeds we had done but because of his mercy, he saved us through the bath of rebirth (baptism) and renewal by the holy Spirit.                  Titus 3:5

You were buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the power of God, who raised him from the dead.                                        Col 2:12

38  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.    39  For the promise is made to you and to your children and to all those far off, whomever the Lord our God will call.”

41   Those who accepted his message were baptized,

                                                    Acts 2:38-30,41a 

The original Christian belief in baptism as necessary for salvation is so unshakable that even given the event of the Protestant Revolt, initially Protestants would not give up baptism. The Protestant Martin Luther could not and would not object to the necessity of baptism. In fact, he affirmed the necessity of baptism. He wrote:

"Baptism is no human plaything but is instituted by God himself. Moreover, it is solemnly and strictly commanded that we must be baptized, or we shall not be saved. We are not to regard it as an indifferent matter, then, like putting on a new red coat. It is of the greatest importance that we regard baptism as excellent, glorious, and exalted."

Baptism Instituted and Commanded by Jesus Christ.

At the end of the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus tells the Apostles to Baptize. Notice, Jesus does not recommend, suggest, or say this is a good idea nor does he say this is a nice way to get people involved. He commands the apostles to  “Go” do this!

18 Then Jesus approached and said to them, “All power in heaven and on earth has been given to me.  19  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,[1]

 20  teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.” 

Matthew 28:18-20

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[1] Matt [28:19] Go Therefore: since universal power belongs to the risen Jesus (Mt 28:18), he gives the eleven a mission that is universal. They are to make disciples of all nations. While all nations is understood by some scholars as referring only to all Gentiles, it is probable that it included the Jews as well. Baptizing them: baptism is the means of entrance into the community of the risen one, the Church. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit: this is perhaps the clearest expression in the New Testament of Trinitarian belief. It may have been the baptismal formula of Matthew’s church, but primarily it designates the effect of baptism, the union of the one baptized with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

We believe in One Baptism for the Forgiveness of Sin.

The early Church Fathers wrote in the Nicene Creed (A.D. 381), "We believe in one baptism for the forgiveness of sins."  What was practiced and believed from the beginning of Christianity is continued in the Catholic faith. You are baptized once, into one faith and are initiated into a new life in Christ.

We are Baptized only once!

The Catholic Church teaches that once you are baptized you are initiated as a Christian. There are no “Do over’s,” second baptisms, etc.. This has been the Church’s position from the earliest times. And it is found in the scripture.  

In some cases, a person gets baptized twice; yes, even in the Catholic Church. This occurs when documentation as to when and how a previous baptism occurred does not exist or the type of baptism is in question. For example; if a person was baptized in a church of another denomination in the name of “Jesus,” this would not be considered a valid baptism .This is because the proper Trinitarian baptism which is in the ‘Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit’ was not used. Many protestant denominations use the Trinitarian form for baptism along with documentation and this is considered a valid baptism in the Catholic Church.

You will find in the Acts of the Apostles where Peter and the Apostles Baptize. This was meant for all who wanted to enter the church and profess faith in Jesus Christ. One never finds situations in the New Testament where groups or individuals are “re-baptized.” For the sake of moving from one community to the next.

Some Christian groups insist that a person must be baptized into their church, regardless if a person was previously baptized. What for? This is not correct! The early Church taught that you are baptized only once into the body of Christ and not into a singular church. Of course, this assumes a person is baptized using the invocation: 

In the name of the father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.

3 striving to preserve the unity of the spirit through the bond of peace:4one body and one Spirit, as you were also called to the one hope of your call;5one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.                        Ephesians 4:3-6

Baptized into a Oneness

The passage by St. Paul mentioned above intimates the “oneness” of Jesus’ Church (one faith). Jesus never intended there to be over 33,000 (and growing) different Christian denominations. St. Paul also exhorts how this oneness “unity” is to be maintained. He mentions “Baptism.”

The Apostles Baptized

Jesus’ command to baptize was taken verbatim by the apostles. In the Biblical book ‘The Acts of the Apostles,’ there is a passage denoting the very beginning of the Church at the feast of Pentecost. In the passage, Peter and the Apostles baptize over three thousand people. [1]

38 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.39For the promise is made to you and to your children and to all those far off, whomever the Lord our God will call.”40He testified with many other arguments, and was exhorting them, “Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.”41Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand persons were added that day.     (Acts 2:38-41)

Elsewhere in The Acts of the Apostles, St. Paul’s conversion begins with a vision of Jesus Christ commanding him to repent of his persecution of the Christ’s Church. Then He is left blind and taken to Ananias.  After a few days Paul’s vision is restored and He is baptized.

"So, Ananias went and entered the house; laying his hands on him, he said, 'Saul, my brother, the Lord has sent me, Jesus who appeared to you on the way by which you came, that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.' Immediately things like scales fell from his eyes and he regained his sight. He got up and was baptized, and when he had eaten, he recovered his strength."                                                             (Acts 9:17-19)

Another story from the Acts of the Apostles concerns the apostle Philip and the Ethiopian (Acts 8:26-39). Philip is prompted by the Holy Spirit through a message from an angel to “Get up and head South” to intercept a court official for the Queen of Ethiopia. Once they meet Philip teaches him about the prophecies concerning Jesus in the book of Isaiah. The Ethiopian eunuch is convinced and inspired by the teaching and seeing some water nearby, asks to be baptized. Philip baptized the eunuch and then miraculously vanished (the Spirit of the Lord snatched Philip away).

Infant Baptism

The Catholic church teaches that infants may and should be baptized. Jesus said, “Let the children come to me.”[2] In His teaching, he stresses the importance of children and their place in the kingdom of God. The Greek word used for “Children” canvases all children from infant on up. In (Acts 2:38-41) referred to above, St. Peter says that baptism and its promise is made to, “you and to your children.” Elsewhere in Acts and in St. Paul’s writing, you will find where entire households were baptized.[3]  This certainly does not exclude infants.

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[1] CCC 1226

[2] Matthew 19:14, Mark 10:14, Luke 18:16

[3] The household of Cornelius (Acts 10); Lydia (Acts 16); The Philippian jailer (Acts 16); Crispus (Acts 18); Stephanus (I Corinthians 1)

The catechism says this (CCC 1224):

Our Lord voluntarily submitted himself to the baptism of St. John, intended for sinners, in order to “fulfill all righteousness.” Jesus’ gesture is a manifestation of his self-emptying. The Spirit who had hovered over the waters of the first creation descended then on the Christ as a prelude of the new creation, and the Father revealed Jesus as his “beloved Son.” [1]

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[1]cf CCC 1224

What about a Christening?

Certain “churches” wanting to be identified as Christian, teach an individual gets “christened” in the name of Jesus. This is not correct! They will even try to cite some bible passages to support this, even though christening is not indicated in the New Testament. Also, they are forgetting the primary passages concerning baptism which is Matthew 28:18-20 and Ephesians 4:3-6 which were given above. Ships are christened, not people! Besides the idea of “Christening,” people came about well after 1500 years Jesus gave a very clear command to the apostles which they followed and that was to baptize in the ‘Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.’ Christening was not found in the in early church and for over 1½ millennia of church history.

What about Dedications?

Other Christian groups teach that children are to be “Dedicated” to the Lord and not baptized. This is not found as a Christian practice in the New Testament, first-century church, nor in the immediate 1½ millennia of church history that followed. This is a fairly modern practice and the idea generally comes from the Old Testament’s feast of Dedication (referred to today as Hanukah). This feast applied to the Temple (a place) being set apart for the worship of God. Therefore, buildings are dedicated not people or children!

Nowhere in the New Testament do you find where the Christians “dedicated their children.” We find in the New Testament that entire households were baptized.; men, women, servants, and yes children (all ages.). Often, they will point to Romans 12. It does not explicitly nor implicitly suggest this as a replacement for baptism for children. Romans 12 refers to being dedicated (in practice) to a way of life as a Christian. In other words, once baptized, then you must remain a dedicated Christian.

What if something happens to me before I can be baptized?

 Those who die as martyrs prior to baptism are said to receive a “Baptism of Blood.”[1]

Christianity has always realized the necessity of water for baptism as a normative rather than an absolute necessity. There are exceptions to water baptism. There can be a baptism in emergency cases where a person is in a dire situation and wants to be baptized. If water is available it should be used, but if not baptism may still occur. It is possible to be saved through the "baptism of blood." This is where a person not yet baptized is martyred for their belief and desire to be with Christ. 

Another exception is called a "baptism of desire", this is, an explicit or even implicit desire for baptism but the baptism cannot be obtained by the individual for various reasons. An example of this would be in the case of a person who wants to be baptized but cannot because they live in a country where Christianity is outlawed. Another example would be an OCIA candidate or catechumen who dies suddenly before the sacraments of initiation.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church states: "Those who die for the faith, those who are catechumens, and all those who, without knowing of the Church but acting under the inspiration of grace, seek God sincerely and strive to fulfill his will, are saved even if they have not been baptized" (CCC 1281; the salvation of unbaptized infants is also possible under this system; cf. CCC 1260–1, 1283)

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[1] CCC 1258

You have a New Name

As a Christian, you are called by a new name. In OCIA as you move forward into the discernment process and finally decide to be baptized at the Easter vigil you will be given this new name. The new name signifies you are set apart for the purpose of doing God’s will. This new name is a saint’s name of your choosing. It should be one you have picked at the beginning of your journey.

Do not want to wait until the end (the week before the Easter Vigil) to pick a saint’s name. Do some research now and pick a saint. Then during your regular prayer time ask this saint to pray for you from heaven as you continue your faith Journey. With a chosen saint you have this saint, on earth, and Jesus who journeys with you.

• Research a Saints name

• Pick a saint’s name.

A Jesus Moment: Jesus came to call Sinners.

27 After this he went out and saw a tax collector named Levi sitting at the customs post. He said to him, “Follow me.” 28 And leaving everything behind, he got up and followed him. 29 Then Levi gave a great banquet for him in his house, and a large crowd of tax collectors and others were at table with them.

30 The Pharisees and their scribes complained to his disciples, saying, “Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?” 31 Jesus said to them in reply, “Those who are healthy do not need a physician, but the sick do. 32 I have not come to call the righteous to repentance but sinners.”             

                                                Luke 5:27-32

Levi was a tax collector and more than likely had a pulse on some of the events occurring around him. It is reasonable to suggest he was a little familiar with this “new preacher” called Jesus, and perhaps even some of what Jesus was preaching. He may not have had very many scruples, but he was smart enough to be a tax collector and kept his ear open to what was going on in his world. It is the open invitation Jesus extends that moves the heart of Levi into action.

After yielding to Jesus’ invitation, Levi’s[1] conversion towards Christ begins. Levi is moved to go in a new direction with a changed lifestyle. It is the Christian lifestyle which exchanges the old for the new. Notice it is just two words; “Follow me.”  Levi does not even ask “Where?” The impact on Levi’s life is significant enough to throw a celebration (Levi gave a banquet for Jesus).

The significance of the call to Levi is important. It shows Jesus' compassion and call to all sinners. In those days, a tax collector was considered a grave sinner and a traitor to the Jewish people. In common language, today he would be considered a “Scum bag!” Jesus and His disciples go to the banquet held by Levi. When they are seen under the roof of a notorious sinner, the scribes and Pharisees are rebuffed. In this same story found in Matthew, Jesus tells the Pharisees to go learn the meaning of the scripture passage “I desire mercy and not sacrifice.”[2] Levi ends up following Jesus, becomes an apostle, and is also known as St. Matthew the very same writer of the Gospel of Matthew.

Jesus tells everyone He did not come for the sake of the righteous (while the righteous still stood to gain much), but He came for those who were lost in sin. When you acknowledge your sin and choose to repent, you hear very clearly the words of Jesus “Follow me.” In your new life in Christ, you must remain humble and with humility constantly remind yourself that you need the salvation of Jesus. It is only through the salvation Jesus provides by His own doing, through the graces he gives in the sacraments and by accepting His invitation for a relationship, will you attain what is required to spend eternity with Him. It is through prayer and the sacraments where you will constantly find Christ’s invitation to follow Him and let Him into your life more and more.

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[1] Levi is later known as Matthew. Matthew became an Apostle and would later write the Gospel of Matthew 

[2] Matthew 9:9-13

Self-reflection:

Consider these thoughts and ask yourself these personal questions:

• Baptism is my first death in this life here on earth. I am to die to myself and be reborn so that I will choose and continue to choose to follow the will of God. As such it is said I participate in the death of Jesus Christ to walk with him so that I may overcome sin. Baptism is the beginning of my transformation into holiness. It is a submission to the grace of God not only for the purpose of saving my soul but my conversion must be manifested by my life. As I allow God more into my life, my habits will need to change. With the grace and power of the Holy Spirit, I must allow this. 

• God’s grace working in me gives me the way to be transformed. How can I show this in my life? A good way is in my mannerisms, behavior, and habits. With the indwelling of God’s grace, I can constantly call on the Lord to “save” me from my faults.

o Am I impatient, do I easily get frustrated with others?

o Do I gossip or berate other people?

o Do I lie?

o Am I a poor planner, disorganized, or a procrastinator?

o Am I selfish – thinking only of my betterment or attention?

o Do I judge others based on my standards?

o Am I tempted toward lustful subject matter?

o Am I arrogant, prideful, and/or uncaring?

Answer the Questions:

1.) Which of the following is an inward result of baptism?

a.      We get a new Bible

b.      We develop a conscience

c.      Our original sin and all other sins are washed away.

d.      We can understand the Bible better

e.      We can predict the future

2.) With the Sacrament of Baptism; what are some of the things which occur?

a.  Your Old self dies.

b.  You become a new creation. As such you begin to be transformed by Christ.

c.  You are raised to a new life in the Holy Spirit

d.  There is a spiritual indelible mark placed on your soul.

e.  You are purified of original sin and all personal sin.

f.   You receive sanctifying grace which is the grace of justification.

g.  Baptism makes you a member of the Body of Christ.

h.  All of the above

3.) At Baptism there is a spiritual indelible mark placed on your soul. True/False

4.) List the sacramentals and symbols used in the sacrament of Baptism.

5.)    What are the sacraments of Initiation?

6.)    Once baptized I am no longer an Elect. I become a _______________.