8-21-12 Matthew DeLise

The Sacrament of Baptism

Baptism is a sacrament that cleanses us of original sin and lets us be capable of coming closer to Christ. Inside, we are sanctified by Christ and granted grace. The process of baptism usually consists of a Priest or Bishop pouring water over the head of the candidate (the one being baptized), while praying for them and helping them to be reborn again in Christ. Only water may be used for baptism because it signifies a clear pure liquid.

The water used is water only blessed on Holy Saturday, or on the Vigil of Pentecost. When the water is applied it can be done in a few different ways, the baptist may choose immersion, in which he immerses the candidate in a bowl of water, aspersion, in which he sprinkles the water over the subject, or the most common, infusion, where the Baptist pours water over the candidate. It is required that the water flows some to show the washing away of sin. The use of water is so that we can visualize how baptism cleanses us from sin like water cleanses us from dirt when we are filthy.

Usually, a Priest or Bishop will institute the sacrament. In every baptism the words of prayer are said while the Priest or Bishop pours the water over the head of the candidate, never are the words said at a different time of the pouring of the water. If it is extremely necessary, anyone can baptize as long as they have the correct intention and proceed in the ceremony the same way the church does.

Of the seven sacraments, the sacrament of baptism is the most necessary because it cleanses us from original sin and all sin that was committed before the sacrament is received and also gives us salvation, which is required to get into heaven. As Catholics we baptize infants. Interestingly enough, we baptize infants

8-21-12 Matthew DeLise

because the Apostles used to baptize whole families, which naturally included children, and also because Christ promised the Kingdom of Heaven to the children. Therefore, because of its necessities, we baptize our children while they are still infants. Except in the instance of death, an infant should not be baptized without the permission of a parent or guardian. Children who have obtained the age of reason must give their consent before they are baptized.

Even though people are most commonly baptized with water, there are substitutions for it. Baptism of Desire requires a perfect contrition, and that the candidate truly wishes to be baptized. Baptism of Blood requires that the candidate becomes a martyr for Christ. Either of these substitutes counts as the sacrament of baptism as much as the standard ceremony does.

Prior to the official ceremony the candidate must renounce Satan and all his works of sin and promise that they firmly believe in the faith. If the candidate isnt capable of renouncing it themselves, their sponsors pronounce it for them. The sponsors chosen are required to be one of each sex, and their duty towards the candidate is to aid them in their spiritual life in the church throughout their entire life.

Since salvation and grace are needed to enter into Heaven, we conclude that baptism is truly the most important sacrament that we can receive.