Baptisms
How is Baptism prefigured in the Old Covenant?
In the Old Covenant, Baptism was prefigured in various ways: water, was seen as a source of life and of death; in the Ark of Noah, which was saved by means of water; in the passing through the Red Sea, which liberated Israel from Egyptian slavery; in the crossing of the Jordan River, that brought Israel into the promised land which is the image of eternal life.
Who brought to fulfilment those prefigurations?
All the Old Covenant prefigurations find their fulfilment in Jesus Christ. At the beginning of his public life, Jesus had himself baptised by John the Baptist in the Jordan. On the cross, blood and water, signs of Baptism and the Eucharist, flowed from his pierced side. After his resurrection he gave to his apostles this mission: “Go forth and make disciple of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” (Matthew 28:19).
In what does the essential rite of Baptism consist?
The essential rite of this sacrament consists in immersing the candidate in water or pouring water over his or her head while invoking the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.
What is required of one who is to be baptised?
Everyone who is to be baptised is required to make a profession of faith. This is done personally in the case of an adult or by the parents and by the church in the case of infants. Also the godfather or the godmother and the whole ecclesiastical community share the responsibility for baptismal preparation (catechumenate) as well as for the development and safeguarding of the faith and grace given at baptism.
Who can baptise?
The ordinary ministers of Baptism are the bishop and the priest. In the Latin Church the deacon can also baptise. In case of necessity any person can baptise provided that he has the intention of doing what the Church does. This is done by pouring water on the head of the candidate while saying the Trinitarian formula for Baptism: “I baptise you in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”
What are the effects of Baptism?
Baptism takes away original sin, all personal sins and all punishment due to sin. It makes the baptised person a participant in the divine life of the trinity through sanctifying grace, the grace of justification which incorporates one into Christ and into his Church. It gives one a share in the priesthood of Christ and provides the basis for communion with all Christians. It bestows the theological virtues and the gifts of the Holy Spirit. A baptised person belongs forever to Christ. He is marked with the indelible seal of Christ (character).
How do I arrange for me or my child to be baptised?
If you have never had any of your children baptised before you will need to make an appointment to see the Parish Priest. To do so, you can contact the Parish Secretary (see contact information on this website). If you have had children baptised in the Catholic Church before you will need to fill in an Application Form. This you can obtain from the Parish Secretary. If you are no longer an infant and have reached the age of reason and want to be baptised the Parish Priest is happy to provide you with some instruction to prepare you for this sacrament. It is a tradition within the Church for the Baptisms of adults or children of an age who can be instructed to be baptised during the Easter Vigil. The process of instruction is called the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA). For more information about the RCIA you can go to: http://www.rcia.org.au/are-you-interested-in-becoming-a-catholic/what-is-the-first-step.html