Baptism, one of the sacraments of Initiation, is a Christian ritual which connects one to God on a deep spiritual level. Coming from the Christian point of view, “Holy Baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life, the gateway to life in the Spirit (vitae spiritualis ianua),4 and the door which gives access to the other sacraments. Through Baptism we are freed from sin and reborn as sons of God; we become members of Christ, are incorporated into the Church and made sharers in her mission” (RENEW International). This definition of Christian Baptism clearly states the meaning of baptism which is to become spiritual members of the Catholic Church, to become sons and daughters of God, and to begin a life of a pure catholic person. Baptism comes
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The first most important object is the water. Water is used as a symbol of washing away sin and to cleanse the soul of the one being baptized. Water is poured over the baby’s head or one is dunked in the water to be cleansed of sin. The Paschal candle is used to receive the light of Christ. During baptism parents are told to keep the light of Christ alive in their child’s heart and this candle symbolizes that light. A white garment is worn by the one being baptized as “a sign of acceptance and belonging in the community of faith” (Holy Trinity Catholic Church). The color white is a resemblance t the purity of Jesus and now that purity in the baptismal candidate. Two oils are also used during baptism, the Oil of the Catechumen and the sacred Chrism Oil. The oil of the Catechumen is applied to the chest of the one being baptized while making the sign of the cross to give strength to the baptismal candidate. The sacred Chrism Oil is placed on the forehead while also making the sign of the cross. This oil has a fragrance to it which calls one to be “good fragrance of Christ” (2 Cor 2:15). During the baptism, Baptismal promises are spoken by the child’s parents, which are based on the apostle’s creed and God parents are chosen to promise to be guides for the baptismal
The first most important object is the water. Water is used as a symbol of washing away sin and to cleanse the soul of the one being baptized. Water is poured over the baby’s head or one is dunked in the water to be cleansed of sin. The Paschal candle is used to receive the light of Christ. During baptism parents are told to keep the light of Christ alive in their child’s heart and this candle symbolizes that light. A white garment is worn by the one being baptized as “a sign of acceptance and belonging in the community of faith” (Holy Trinity Catholic Church). The color white is a resemblance t the purity of Jesus and now that purity in the baptismal candidate. Two oils are also used during baptism, the Oil of the Catechumen and the sacred Chrism Oil. The oil of the Catechumen is applied to the chest of the one being baptized while making the sign of the cross to give strength to the baptismal candidate. The sacred Chrism Oil is placed on the forehead while also making the sign of the cross. This oil has a fragrance to it which calls one to be “good fragrance of Christ” (2 Cor 2:15). During the baptism, Baptismal promises are spoken by the child’s parents, which are based on the apostle’s creed and God parents are chosen to promise to be guides for the baptismal