IV.

CONCEPT NOTES

THE SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM

Christians have baptized from the very beginning but they are not the first to do so. John baptized in
the river Jordan, he even baptized Jesus. But for the followers of Jesus baptism assumed a special
significance; for them it was a symbol of salvation and through it they entered into a mystery that Jesus
has revealed to them.

History
The Bible speaks only of adult baptism. There were instances in the Bible that the whole
family has been baptized, but it is not specified whether infants are baptized.

Advent of Infant Baptism:

If baptism is necessary for salvation, then children must be baptized in order to be saved. This
belief, together with the high rate of infant mortality prompted parents to baptize their children at an
early age (North Africa). However, this practice raised many questions…
But why baptize babies? This was the theological question that the practice raised.
Augustine taught that the “original sin” is on the soul from birth, and this is why it is essential for all
persons to have this deformity reshaped, as it were, into the image of Christ by receiving the baptismal
seal. With infant baptism, there was a change in the normal age for baptism. It brought changes in the
traditional practice of Baptism and in turn led changes in the common understanding of baptism.
Catechumenate disappeared since babies could not be instructed on how to live a moral life. Likewise,
doctrinal instruction before baptism faded away.
But another problem arose. Faith is necessary in baptism, but how can infant profess their
faith? It was the sponsor who supplied the needed faith. Thus the role of sponsors or godparents is to
be guardians of the child’s faith after baptism. They are responsible for making sure that the child
receive religious instruction and remain good Christians when they grow up.
What is Baptism?
-CCC 1213 - Holy Baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life, the gateway to life in the
Spirit, 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: “Baptism is the sacrament of regeneration through water in the word.”
Sacrament is also called “the washing of regeneration and renewal by the holy spirit.”
Etymology: from the Greek word baptizeinwhich means to “plunge” or “immerse”; The plunge
into the water symbolizes the catechumen’s burial into Christ’s death, from which he rises up by
resurrection with him, as “a new creature.”
-Baptism is the first sacrament we may receive. Unless we are baptized, we are forbidden to
receive any other sacraments.
-Christ instituted the sacrament as the sacrament of spiritual rebirth, making the baptized
members of God’s family. As children of God they are given the right to enter heaven, and to gain merit
by their good work.
-By Baptism we become members of the Church and children of God. We are given the right
to enter heaven.
-The baptized put on Christ. Through the Holy Spirit, Baptism is a bath that purifies, and
sanctifies.

When was baptism instituted?

-it was commanded by Christ at His ascension when He said to the apostles: “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”
(Matt. 28:19).

The sacramental grace of baptism is a regenerative grace that helps those baptized to live well the
supernatural life they have begun as children of God.
Who can receive baptism?
Every person not yet baptized and only such a person is able to be baptized. CCC 1246

What sins does baptism take away?

-Baptism takes away original sin and also actual sins and all the punishment due to them,
if the person baptized be guilty of any actual sins and be truly sorry for them.
*Original sin is the free disobedience of Adam and Eve which closed the gates of heaven and
brought with it many serious ramifications. Original sin was the refusal to respond to God’s love and to
obey His commands. This transgression affected the state of “original Justice.” Thus sanctifying grace
was lost, along with the other preternatural gifts which God gave to Adam and Eve: immortality, freedom
from illness, keen intellect, and strong will. Original sin has ushered in an “inner disordering” called
concupiscence,” which is an inclination to evil. Only Jesus and Mary have been spared from original
Sin. – Catholic Encyclopedia
*Actual Sins – An action which is contrary to God’s love. One may commit an actual sin
against God, one’s neighbor, or oneself which is mortal or venial. For an actual sin to be culpable, it
must be voluntary and done with full knowledge and consent. Culpability for actual sins is limited by
insufficient consent, restricted freedom, or inadequate knowledge.

The effect of the character imprinted on the soul by baptism

-Baptism imprints on the soul an indelible sign or character. This character marks us as
Christians, and cannot be removed by anything, even mortal sin. This character prevents the
sacrament from being repeated: we can be baptized only once.

Baptism is necessary to salvation:

The Lord Himself affirms that Baptism is necessary for salvation. (Jn 3:5)
-Only baptism can remit original sin
-However, those who through no fault of their own have not received the sacrament of Baptism
can be saved through what is called baptism of blood and baptism of desire.
-Either baptism of desire or baptism of blood entitles one to the possession of heaven, just as
baptism by water. However, only baptism by water imprints a character on the soul, and so entitles one
to the reception of the other sacraments.
a.) An unbaptized person receives the baptism of blood when he suffers martyrdom for the
faith of Christ. (One who lays down his life for Christ is said to have received baptism of blood. Our
Lord promised, “He who losses his life for my sake will find it.” (Matt. 10:39). Thus the Holy Innocents
whom Herod slew out of hatred for the infant Jesus received baptism of blood.)
b.) An unbaptized person receives baptism of desire when he loves God above all things, is
sorry for his sins, and ardently longs for Baptism when it is impossible to receive it; or when not knowing
the necessity of baptism, sincerely wishes to do all required to salvation.
It also mean a desire to lead a good and upright life, a desire to live like a Christian, so to
speak, which was thwarted not by personal fault but by the Church’s failure to bring the sacraments to
them.

The grace of Baptism

-The two principal effects of baptism are purification from sins and new birth in the Holy Spirit.
*Purification from sins – all sins are forgiven, original sin and all personal sins, as well as all
punishment for sin. Yet temporal consequences of sin remain in the baptized, such as suffering, illness,
death and such frailties in life as weaknesses of character, and so on, as well as an inclination to sin
that Tradition calls Concupiscence.
*A New Creature – the baptized becomes an adopted son of God, who has become a
“partaker of the divine nature,” member of Christ and co-heir with him, and a temple of the Holy Spirit.

Summing up, Baptism has the following effects:

1. It takes away original sin, all actual sin, and the punishment due to these.
 2. It infuses sanctifying grace which consecrates the soul to the Trinity, making him a child of
God, an heir of heaven, brother of Christ and a member of His mystical body, and a temple of
the Holy Spirit.
3. It infuses the theological virtues, the moral virtues, and gifts of the Holy Spirit. (The 7 gifts of
the Holy Spirit – wisdom, understanding, counsel, strength (fortitude), knowledge, piety, fear of
the Lord.)
4. It imprints an indelible character

When should children be baptized?

-Children should be baptized as soon as possible after birth.
-Except in danger of death, an infant should not be baptized without the permission of a parent
or guardian. Children who have come to the age of reason cannot be baptized without their own
consent.

The Matter, the Form and the Ministers of Baptism

-Baptism is done by pouring ordinary water on the forehead of the person being baptized, while
the words are said: “(Name), I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy
Spirit.
Matter – Water; Form – the words said

Who can administer Baptism?

Ordinary Minister – the Priest or Bishop, or deacon
Extraordinary minister – when there is a danger of death and an ordinary minister is
unavailable, anyone – man or woman, Catholic or non-Catholic, atheist or pagan may baptize, provided
they have the required intention. The intention required is to will to do what the Church does when she
baptizes.
- if there is danger that someone will die without baptism, anyone else may and should baptize.
When an unbaptized person is in danger of death and no priest is available, then any one can baptize.
However, it would be very wrong to do it without serious reason.

-Baptism is validly administered whether performed by Immersion, Infusion, or by Aspersion.

By infusion, the water is poured on the head, forehead and face. In case of emergency, it may be
poured on any part of the body. The water must flow on the skin of the baptized, not merely on the hair.
By aspersion, water is sprinkled on the head.

The water used for solemn baptism is called baptismal water. Ordinary holy water is not
baptismal water. [The baptismal water is consecrated by a prayer of epiclesis (either at the moment of
baptism or at Easter Vigil). The Church asks God that through His Son the power of the Holy Spirit may
be sent upon the water, so that those who will be baptized in it may be born of water and the spirit.

-Conditional Baptism is given when it is uncertain whether a person has been baptized, or
when there is fear of the sacrament having been administered improperly.

The Formula in Baptism

The Form is said at the same time the water is poured, and must be said by the same person
pouring the water, so that everything takes place as one act. No changes may be made in the wording
because Jesus Christ explicitly commanded baptism to be given in the name of the father, and of the
son, and of the holy spirit (Matthew 28:19).

What do we promise (through our Godparents) in Baptism?

-We promise (through our godparents) in Baptism to renounce the devil, and to live according
to the teachings of Christ and His Church. They are called the baptismal vows. By them the person
renounces Satan and all his works, that is, sin and all occasions to sin.
 -To the first three questions, we reply I do renounce him and to the last three questions, we
reply, I do believe. (1. Do you renounce Satan? 2. And all his works? 3. And all his display? 4. Do you
believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth? 5. Do you believe in Jesus Christ,
His only Son, Our Lord, who born into the world and suffered for us? 6. And do you believe in the Holy
Spirit, the Holy Catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of
the body, and life everlasting?
-We renew our baptismal vows at Easter Vigil.

What is the duty of a godparent after baptism?

-The duty of a godparent is to see that the child is brought up a good Catholic, if this is not
done by the parents.
-A godparent has the duty of looking upon the baptized person as his spiritual child, of
providing him, when necessary, the proper religious education, and of guarding him spiritually even
when he is grown.
-A spiritual relationship is established between the person baptized and the sponsor, as well as
between him and the one who baptizes him. This relationship, called spiritual affinity, forbids marriage
between the persons thus related. No spiritual affinity is contracted between the godfather and
godmother.
-Only Catholics who know their faith and live up to the duties of their religion should be chosen
as godparents for Baptism. A godparent is supposed to be a practical Catholic. Neither the father,
mother, husband nor wife of the person being baptized may act as godparent.

SUPPLEMENTARY READINGS / MATERIALS

Want to find out more? For further readings, seethe Catechism of the Catholic Church
(CCC), The Seven Sacraments of the Church, No. 1275– 1284.

REFERENCES
Catechism of the Catholic Church. Manila: ECCE/Word and Life Publications, 1994.

INTERNET SOURCES
Watch commentary through YouTube channel: Bishop Robert Baron, The Sacrament of
Baptism