Baptism is a visible sign of the New Covenant between God and His people. It marks the predilection of the believer in choosing to walk with faith in their lives and to serve God. At the heart of every baptism is a solemn vow to service, charity in the life of the believer.
Elements of the Sacrament of Baptism
Christian Initiation occurs in stages and can occur very slowly or very quickly depending on the circumstances. However the timing is laid out in individual cases, they will all include proclamation of the word, acceptance of the gospel entailing conversion, profession of faith, Baptism itself, the outpouring of the Holy Spirit and admission to Eucharistic communion.
In the Catholic Church, infants are baptized to remove the stain of original sin. But adults or older youth can undergo Christian Initiation and attend RCIA — the Rite of Christian Initiation — which consist of classes which teach the faith so the potential converts may make an educated decision about becoming Catholic.
Baptism is performed through the sprinkling of water while the words of the sacrament are performed by a priest.
The Symbolic Meaning of the Sacrament of Baptism
Baptism in water represents the washing away of sins. The water is always a symbol of purification, but also representative of the spirit coming upon into the heart of a believer.
Those who die for the faith before receiving official Baptism are considered to have been baptized by the blood. And those who have the sincere intention of receiving Baptism but die before it is attained are said to be baptized by their intent.
Emergency Baptism when a Person is in Danger of Death
In the case of a person near death, any baptized person may perform a baptism on the spot; according to the Christian school of thought, this ensures the absolution of the soul and a safe journey through death. The formula can be done with or without holy water, depending on the circumstances and is as follows: “I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen.”
Hospital personnel, police officers, emergency workers and others perform baptisms when someone who is near death asks for it in their moment of need and often do so without water.
Scriptural Basis for the Sacrament of Baptism
The Scriptural basis for the sacrament of baptism is found in Matthew 28: 19-20, where it says, “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, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.”
There are a total of Seven Sacraments in the Catholic Church: Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist, Penance and Reconciliation, Matrimony, Holy Orders and the Anointing of the Sick.
Sources:
- Catechism of the Catholic Church
- The Sacraments: Readings in Contemporary Sacramental Theology, Edited By Michael J. Taylor, S.J.
