Baptism Information

The Sacrament of Baptism

Date: 8 Jan 2009

In school, prior to this Sunday or following it, Mark's account of Jesus' Baptism (Mark 1: 7-11) should be read to the children. Focusing the children's attention on the Sacrament of Baptism is a natural follow-on.

The most fundamental way of exploring Baptism in the primary school classroom is by looking at the symbols of Baptism. Each symbol conveys the spiritual richness of that Baptism and the more we know about and understand the symbols Baptism, the fuller our joyful awareness of the presence of God's grace.

Addressing the symbols of Baptism can be done on an annual basis by placing the symbols on the classroom Sacred Space and adapting the level of teaching about the symbols to suit the class level.

The White Robe

White is the colour which symbolises purity, innocence, simplicity, renewal, and hope. During the Baptism of infants, immediately after the priest pours water over the head of the infant and anoints the infant with oil, the priest hands a white robe to a godparent to place over the baby. Addressing the child by name, the priest says, ''You have become a new creation, and have clothed yourself in Christ''. The white robe represents putting on the pure and simple life of Christ and the hope of eternal life with God.

Water

When we are physically dirty, we wash ourselves and water is a sign of purity. The baptismal water stands for moral cleansing and purity of heart. Baptism is our welcome into a great belonging with God and God's family. Purified, cleansed, growing in love and spirit, we receive the water of Baptism as a fresh start, a new beginning with pure hearts.

Water symbolises both death and life, dying and rising with Christ. Three steps remind us of Jesus' three days in the earth. Some in order to appreciate the meaning behind the action of pouring drops of water on a baby's head during Baptism, it is important to recognise the origin of the action. In the early Church, candidates were immersed in water three times and each time following submersion, they experienced the sensation of rising from the choking waters of death. Symbolically they shared in the death of Jesus and in his Resurrection to new life. In the waters of Baptism, we die to sin and evil and are born into new life in Jesus Christ.

Teach the children too that when we dip our fingers into a Holy Water font and bless ourselves, we are reminding ourselves of our Baptism.

Oil

In the Old Testament, we read about oils being used to anoint priests, prophets, and kings (Exodus 40:13; 1 Samuel 16:1-3; 1 Kings 1:39). In the New Testament, Jesus was called ''the Christ'' (''Messiah'' in Hebrew) which means the ''Anointed One''.

When we are baptised, we, too, are anointed. The oil is called Holy Chrism and it consists of olive oil mixed with balsam (balm).

c.f. Oil of Chrism Alive-O 4 T3L9 & Video T3

Candle

During the Rite of Baptism, the Baptismal Candle is lit from the Paschal Candle. Light is a life-giving element and without it there would be no growth. The passing on of the light from the Pasachal Candle signifies the passing on of the faith. The light from the Baptismal candle represents the Light of Christ which will act as a beacon in the child's life as they are called to see all things through the eyes of Jesus Christ.

c.f. Alive-O T2L10; Alive-O2 T2L6; T2L10; Alive-O 4 T3L9 & Video T3.

The Symbols of Baptism - How do they work?

The Assembly

The first symbol of Christian life in teh Baptismal Ceremony is the assembled community which welcomes the child and

incorporates her into itself. It is not a random meeting of people, but is a worshipping community gathered to listen to

God's word and to celebrate its own identity in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Sign of the Cross

Usually when you enter the church the priest will trace the cross on the forehead of your baby and invite the parents

and godparents to do the same. The cross is a reminder of the love of Christ who gave his life for his friends. The tracing

of a cross on the forehead of the person being baptised is an invisible 'branding' that says 'you belong to Christ'.

The Word of God

The Scriptures are always read, whether a child is baptised during Mass or outside Mass. As the Scriptures are

proclaimed, Christ himself is present in the assembly, calling us to be his disciples just as surely as he called the first

disciples.

Baptismal Promises

You will gather around the baptismal font - a large bowl, usually of stone or marble or glass holding the waters of

baptism. Usually the mother holds the child. The celebrant asks the parents what they want for the child. You reply,

'Baptism.' Then you make the baptismal promises on behalf of your child. These promises are based on the Apostles

Creed.

Water

The priest pours water over the head of your baby (or immerses the baby in the water) and says "I baptise you in the

name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit." This is for cleansing and is a sign that our sins are washed

away. Baptism cleanses us of original sin wih which we are all born and, in the baptism of adults, of every sin committed

prior to baptism. Water is also necessary for life and so is a sign, too, that the life of the risen Christ is ours. It is also a

sign of life. Without water nothing can grow. It is a sign of the new spiritual life into which the baptised person is

entering.

Oils

Oil of Baptism is olive oil rubbed on the breast of the baby, just as athletes used to rub themselves with oil to strengthen

and prepare for the fight ahead. It symbolises strengthening for the struggles of life ahead. Oil of Chrism is a mixutre of

olive oil and balsam (sweet-smelling ointment) and is rubbed on the crown of the head. It is a sign of sealing with the

gifts of the Holy Spirit. The profession of faith which you make on behalf of your child at Baptism will later be confirmed

personally by your child in the Sacrament of Confirmation when Oil of Chrism will be used again.

Baptismal Candle

As a sign of the new life a Baptismal candle will be lit using the flame from the Easter Candle which symbolises the light

of Christ - the Light of the World. This is the light that darkness cannot overcome. Light warms and encourages, it gives

safety and illuminates the way ahead. It can burn and test substances. The baptised child, who has opened her eyes to

the light of creation, is now awakened by the flame of faith. She is called to see all things through the eyes of Jesus

Christ.

White Garment

Clothing in a white garment is part of the ceremony to symbolise your child’s new life in Christ. Your family might have a

Christening gown that you want to use or a shawl. If you want to use this, then let the priest know beforehand. You

might like to use a baptismal gown, either a white stole, a white scapular or a white bib - perhaps one that you have

made and bearing the sign of a cross. The colour white speaks of life, purity, newness and innocence. It is also a sign of

the new life of resurrection.

Baptismal certificate and Baptismal register

At the end of the ceremony you will be asked to sign the parish Baptismal register and you will be given a Baptismal

Certificate. Your baby's baptism will be recorded in the Parish Baptismal Register. You will want to keep the certificate

carefully as it may be needed when you enrol your child in a catholic school or before he or she receives the sacraments

of Eucharist and Confirmation. Your childs' confirmation, marriage or ordination will also be noted alongside thsi entry in

the register.

Baptism Symbols

Water is the central symbol of baptism. Because water is essential to all life, the water of baptism symbolises the life-giving grace that sustains those who have become children of God.

Oil is used twice in the ceremony. Before the baptism, the child’s breast is smeared with the oil of catechumens as a sign of healing and strengthening. Afterwards the crown of the head is anointed with perfumed chrism as a symbol of joy and thanksgiving.

The white garment with which the newly baptised is then clothed symbolises their new life in Christ and is "the outward sign of Christian dignity".

A baptismal candle is lit from the paschal candle beside the font and presented to the new member as a sign of the light of Christ.

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http://bne.catholic.net.au/asp/index.asp?pgid=11392&cid=7084&id=1224

They are as follows

1. Cross- Is to show that there will be some evil in our lives.

2. White Garment - the white garment is a symbol of purity as well as a manifestation of the "new man". White

symbolizes that the stain of Original Sin is no longer upon the child whose soul is wiped clean by the sacrament of

baptism. The infant is now a child of God and that heaven is opened to him/her.

3. Oil Of Chrism - symbolizes the seal of the Holy Spirit

4. Water - water reminds us that it is God who gives us life. Symbolizes cleansing and purity. Water also washes away

our sins

5. Candle - The final symbol in baptism is the giving of a lighted candle. Light, like water, is essential for life. Without light

there could be no life on this planet. It particularly symbolizes Faith.

http://wiki.answers.com/Q/What_are_the_five_symbols_of_baptism

While these gifts are not visible to the human eye, we come to understand them through the visible, tangible signs used in the sacrament.

Water

“…God uses the sacrament of water to give his divine life to those who believe in him.”

“…cleanse him from sin in a new birth to innocence by water and the Spirit.”

- From the rite of baptism.

Reflecting on our history, we see how water was created to cleanse and give life. In the very beginning of creation

(Gen 1:2), the spirit of God breathed on the waters of the earth. In the great flood, water marks the end of sin and a

new beginning of goodness. The Israelites passed through the Red Sea and were delivered from slavery into

freedom. In the waters of the Jordan, Jesus was baptized by John and anointed with the Spirit.

In baptism we “pass through water” - a sign of our participation in the death of Christ and his emergence into

freedom. Freed from the power of evil; the power of God’s life and love will prevail.

Paschal candle

“Receive the light of Christ.”

“These children have been enlightened by Christ. They are to walk always as children of the Light.”

- from the rite of Baptism

700 years before the birth of Christ, Isaiah the prophet told of a people walking in darkness seeing a great light.

(Isaiah 9:1). Jesus announces to us that he is “the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness,

but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12)

At Easter, the Paschal candle is lit as a sign of the risen life of Christ. This life is stronger than death. It cannot be

put out but shines brightly in the world as a sign of hope and of the strength of love. At baptism, a small candle for

each child is lit from the Paschal candle. The priest says, “Receive the light of Christ.” Parents are instructed to

keep the light burning brightly and the flame of faith alive in their child’s heart.

White garment

“You have become a new creation , and have clothed yourself in Christ.” -From the rite of baptism

“Quickly, bring out a robe – the best one- and put it on him”

– Luke 15:22

At baptism the church wraps new members in a white garment – a sign of acceptance and belonging in the

community of faith. The garment is white, like Jesus’ light, and covers us from head to toe. The child is dressed in

this garment during the rite of baptism – a visible sign of Jesus’ light and life now present in the child.

Oil of the Catechumen

“Bless this oil and give wisdom and strength to all who are anointed with it in preparation for their baptism.”

-From the blessing of the oil of catechumens

“…may he strengthen you with his power…”

-From the rite of baptism

Oil softens, heals, comforts, and protects. The oil of catechumens is applied to the child’s chest with the sign of the

cross. This oil, a sign of strength, imparts the power to resist evil. The child, strengthened by the gift of God’s Spirit,

will be guided and guarded by God on every step of life’s journey.

Sacred Chrism Oil

“when they are anointed with this holy oil make them temples of your glory, radiant with the goodness of life that

has its source in you.”

-From the blessing of the chrism

“As Christ was anointed Priest, Prophet, and King, so may you live always as a member of his body, sharing

everlasting life.”

-From the blessing of the chrism

The chrism is composed of olive oil and balsam(fragrance). Perfumed oil has the unique quality of both attracting

others and setting apart the one who is using it. This oil, placed on the crown of the head, calls us to be the “good

fragrance of Christ.” 2 Cor 2:15.

Oil has been used through the centuries as a sign of God’s favor. In the Old Testament, solemn anointings

indicated those called for a specific task in God' kingdom. Being baptized into the anointed body of Christ, we are

called to be priest, by living a life of prayer; to be prophet, by announcing the Word of God; and to be king, by

leading with integrity.

http://www.htlenexa.org/index.cfm?load=page&page=184

Catholic Symbols

Cross: The cross is perhaps the best known of all Christian symbols. In the ancient Church the cross was usually depicted without the figure of Christ. It was adorned and decorated as a symbol of the victory Christ won through His suffering. For the ancient world it was a symbol of humiliation, but for Christians it was a symbol of victory and glory. In Christian art, the figure of the suffering Christ was added to the cross only in medieval times.

Light and Darkness: Before the advent of electricity the symbols of light and darkness were, perhaps, more readily appreciated. The Church's use of these symbols is elemental. Even the orientation of the church buliding (the altar at the east end) is significant. The one liturgy of the Church year where the use of these symbols is most dramatic is the easter Vigil, where the light of one candle representing Christ, is passed on to each one in the assembly, turning darkness into light.

Alpha and Omega: The first and last letters of the Greek alphabet, signifying the Beginning and the End. In the Book of Revelation, the last book of the New Testament, Jesus calls Himself the Alpha and the Omega, "The first and the last, the beginning and the end, the one who was, who is, and who is to come." He is the Word, the First Word through whom all was created, and the Last Word by whom all will be judged.

Chi Rho: The Greek letters chi and rho (resembling an "X" and a "P") are often superimposed one on the other. Often the chi is rendered in the form of a cross. This symbol is used to indicate Christ since these letters are the first two letters of the word "Christ" in Greek.

Bread and Wine/Wheat and Grapes: Because of the bread and wine they produce, the symbols of wheat and grapes are often used to designate the Eucharist.

Bread is the basic food of every culture and of every age in human history. Made from the toil of human hands, the many grains of wheat are transformed and become one to nourish and sustain us. A meal, in which bread is broken and shared, becomes a means of bonding human beings together. This is the sign Jesus used to describe Himself as the "Bread of Life." Following His command, in faith we take and eat this Bread, His Body, and become one with Him.

From ancient times wine is associated with banquets, joy and celebration, a gift of God to gladden our hearts. The grapes, like the grains of wheat used for bread, are fruits of the earth and give of themselves in order that we might celebrate and be glad. This sign which Jesus used for His Blood, speaks to us of giving and of sacrifice in order that we might enjoy the benefits of His love in the banquet which is the foretaste of heavenly joy

IHS: The first three letters of the name Jesus in Greek.

INRI: These initials are often seen inscribed on a banner or sign on a crucifix. They indicate the first letters of the Latin words which Pilate ordered inscribed above Jesus as He hung on the cross, "Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews," "Iesus Nazerenus Rex Iudeorum."

Fish: the fish was one of the most important symbols of Christ to the early Christians. In Greek, the phrase, "Jesus Christ, Son of God Savior," is "Iesous Christos Theou Yios Soter." The first letters of each

of these Greek words, when put together, spell "ichthys," the Greek word for "fish" ().

Lamb: symbol of Christ as the Paschal Lamb and also a symbol for Christians (as Christ is our Shepherd and Peter was told to feed His sheep).

Dove: symbol of the Holy Spirit and used especially in representations of our Lord's Baptism and the Pentecost.

Ship: As those outside of Noah's Ark were destroyed, the ship became a perfect early symbol of the Church. In the same vein, the main part of a church's interior, the place where the people worship, is called a "nave," from the Latin "navis" -- ship.

Rainbow: Sign of the Covenant with Noah. Its 7 colors (from the top down: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet) recall the 7 Sacraments (7 is the sign of Covenant and completion).

The Good Shepherd: Some of the earliest depictions of Christ showHim as the Good Shepherd.

Palm: victory and martyrdom. Palms are especially made use of on Palm Sunday. The ashes of palms used on Palm Sunday are later burned and used on the next year's Ash Wednesday to symbolize mortality and penance.

Scallop shell: the sea shell, especially the scallop shell, is the symbol of Baptism, and is found frequently on Baptismal fonts. The dish used by priests to pour water over the heads of catechumens in Baptism is often scallop-shaped

Butterfly: The beautiful butterfly, with the power of flight, emerging from the apparently lifeless cocoon: what could be a more perfect symbol of the Resurrection?

http://www.iccreligiouseducation.com/catholic_symbols.cfm