Introduction to the Sacraments Baptism 2015-16 I-1
Saint John the Baptist Born about 5 BC? Died about 32 AD Relative of Jesus who Prepared the Way for Jesus John had a vigorous and popular ministry of Preaching & Baptizing in the Jordan River as a symbol of their conversion from sin. John preached repentance and preparation for one who is to come after me whose sandals I am not worthy to fasten. Saint of the Week
Saint John the Baptist When Jesus came to John for Baptism, John Recognized him as the Messiah or as we say, the Christ John was first imprisoned then beheaded by Herod Antipas because he criticized the marital status of Herod who had divorced his first wife in order to marry his brother's wife, Herodias. On his Birthday he granted Herodias' daughter Salome's wish that he serve John's head on a platter. Patron of Poor, Sick and Dying Saint of the Week
Born about 1654-1655 in the Philippines Martyred in Guam in 1672 age 17-18 Companion to Blessed Diego San Vitores Diego was a Spanish Missionary first to the Philippines and then to Guam Pedro was a young Filipino (age 13-14) who accompanied Diego to Guam as an assistant. Both Diego & Pedro were martyred by Mata'pang because they baptized Mata'pang's infant daughter Saint Pedro Calungsod against his wishes. Saint Pedro Calungsod Saint of the Week cont'd
Part II Lesson 1 The Liturgy Official Prayer of the Church The Mass The Sacraments Divine Office or Liturgy of the Hours Review
Part II Lesson 2 The Mass Major Parts Liturgy of the Word Liturgy of the Eucharist As Encounter with the Christ In the Assembly (wherever 2 or more are gathered) In the Word (In the Beginning was the Word) In the Eucharist (This is my Body) Some Theology Real Presence in the Eucharist Mass as Worship Transcending time ( Communion of Saints We are all in this together) ( Book of Revelation Heavenly Plane & Earthly Plane united in worship) Review
Part II Lesson 1 Liturgy From Greek meaning Work of the Public or Work of the Community Official Prayer & Rituals of the Church Encounter with the Father, Son & Holy Spirit Fountain of Grace Work of Salvation Eucharist From Greek meaning 'Thanksgiving Roots in the Jewish Sedar Meal (Passover) Refers to both the Mass and Holy Communion Big Words of the Week
Part II Lesson 2 Transubstantiation Real Presence Bread & Wine changed into Body & Blood Part II Lesson 3 Born Again or more Correctly Born From Above Not really a Big Word but a Big Idea A 'play on words' in the original Greek of John's Gospel The Greek can mean Born a Second Time Or Born from Above Jesus's meaning is Born from Above, or Spiritual Birth Big Words of the Week
The Catholic Church is a 'Sacramental' Church We believe that we encounter (experience the presence of; are united with) the Triune God Through certain Rituals A Ritual is a combination of Symbols, Words and Actions calling down the presence of God Remember our analogy to the family Thanksgiving Day Dinner Remember We actively Participate in the Sacraments, we do not passively receive them Intro to Sacraments
The Council of Trent (1545-1563) Teachings Sacraments are efficacious signs that give grace Efficacious They effect a change in us Signs or Symbols Something concrete linked together with something abstract Grace Encounter (interaction) with God Sharing in Divine Life Salvation Sacraments
Teachings of The Second Vatican Council (1962-1965) The Sacraments are visible, tangible manifestations of God's Plan of Salvation They are an encounter with the Triune God Effecting a change within us This encounter is both personal and communal Though administered on a personal basis, they are celebrated in a communal setting (that is in the presence of the whole congregation) The Sacramental Church
Sacraments of Initiation Baptism Confirmation Holy Eucharist Sacraments of Healing Reconciliation (Penance Confession) Anointing of the Sick Sacraments of Commitment (Service) Matrimony Holy Orders Although the Church professes 7 Sacraments In a broader sense of 'encounter with God' the Mass is Sacrament And the Church itself is Sacrament The Sacramental Church
Sacraments are Liturgy Public Acts of Worship Ideally All Sacraments Should be Celebrated in the presence of and with the participation of the whole congregation Well - - What about Reconciliation?? The Sacramental Church
Earliest Celebrated Sacrament Mentioned Repeatedly in the New Testament Described in the Acts of Apostles Individual Baptisms Group Baptisms Family Baptisms (including Infants) Jesus Himself was Baptized by John the Baptist Baptism
The Gospel According to John Chapter 3 Verses 1-8 1Now there was a Pharisee named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. 2 He came to Jesus at night and said to him, Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God, for no one can do these signs that you are doing unless God is with him. 3 Jesus answered and said to him, Amen, amen, I say to you, no one can see the kingdom of God without being born from above [born again]. 4 Nicodemus said to him, How can a person once grown old be born again? Surely he cannot re-enter his mother s womb and be born again, can he? Baptism
The Gospel According to John Chapter 3 Verses 1-8 5 Jesus answered, Amen, amen, I say to you, no one can enter the kingdom of God without being born of water and Spirit. 6 What is born of flesh is flesh and what is born of Spirit is Spirit. 7 Do not be amazed that I told you, You must be born from above. 8 The wind blows wherever it wills, and you can hear the sound it makes, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes; so it is with everyone born of the Spirit. Baptism
The Priest is the Ordinary Minister of Baptism In Some parishes the Deacon performs the Baptism of Infants However, anyone can Baptize another person For example, in an emergency with no clergy available Questions Can a lay person perform a Baptism? Can a Non-Catholic? If a Lutheran converts to Catholicism, do we re-baptize the convert Can a Non-Christian? Ordinary Minister of Baptism
Words: I Baptize You in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit Actions Immersion in Water or Pouring water over head 3 times (Father Son Holy Spirit) Known as the Trinitarian Formula Symbols Water Candle Light White Garment Baptism Words, Symbols, and Actions
Matthew Chapter 28 Verse 19 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. Baptism Trinitarian Formula
We encounter (experience, interact with) the Triune God Born From Above ( John Chapter 3 Verses 1-8) We become members of the Christian Community!! What is born of Spirit is Spirit (John 3:6) 'Essential' for Salvation No one can enter the kingdom of God without being of water and Spirit (John 3:3) Our Relationship with God is restored (separation resulting from Adams Sin is reversed) Effects of Baptism born
Baptism of Blood: Giving up one's life for the Christian Faith Baptism of Intent: Having Desire to Be Baptized, but dying before you can carry it out Catecheumen who dies How about Buddhist, Jew, Muslim etc.? How about unbaptized Babies Alternate Forms of Baptism
Emergency Baptism e.g. no clergy and/or no water available Remember, in a pinch, anyone can administer If no water Its the intent that counts (See Baptism of Intent) Alternate Forms of Baptism
What is the Purpose of Being Christian?? To Be Better Than Others? To Find a Place of Hope? What does it mean to Act as a Christian? To Point Out The Failures of Others? To See Christ in Others? Compare: Where The Church is There is Christ! Where Christ is - - There the Church Should Be! Things to Think About
The Sacraments of Initiation Completed: Confirmation Laying on of Hands Anointing with Chrism Be Sealed with the Gift of the Holy Spirit Holy Eucharist Real Presence (Receive) The Body of Christ (Receive) The Blood of Christ Preview