WHAT IS BAPTISM?
Baptism is the way out of the kingdom of death into life, the gateway to the Church, and the beginning of lasting communion with God. This sacrament makes a person a member of the church by washing away original sin, which makes a person part of the Body of Christ. This sacrament can only be received once because of the indelible spiritual and permanent mark that is imprinted on our soul. Baptism is one out of the three Sacraments of Initiation. Each sacrament of the church has a form, matter, minister, and rite, which makes it unique. The form of Baptism is said while water is poured three times over the head of the candidate. The words that are said are: "I baptize you in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit." These words are said by the minister of the sacrament. The ordinary minister of baptism is normally a bishop, priest, or deacon, which is a member of the clergy. In an emergency, the extraordinary minister of baptism is any Christian. They can perform the action of Baptism by pouring water over the recipient and pronouncing the baptismal formula. This is only appropriate when a person may die before being baptized. The matter of Baptism is the action of the recipient being immersed in water or the pouring of water over the recipient. In an emergency, the water does not have to be blessed. The rite of Baptism is divided into several different parts. First, during the Reception of the Child, the children and their families are greeted by the celebrant and asks them to name the child being baptized, so that they will be called by name in the community. This is similar to the Good Shepherd calling his sheep by name. The celebrant then welcomes the children into the church by saying their name and making the sign of the cross on their forehead, which is usually repeated among family members. During the Liturgy of the Word, the love of God is told through readings. Within the readings, miracles are revealed, the Resurrection of Jesus Christ is proclaimed, the Kingdom of God is announced, and its meaning is explored. It is through these readings and words that we are reassured with God's nourishment for us. Next is usually followed by homily, which explains the readings from that particular mass. After the homily, we precede into the prayers of the faithful for intercession. Included in these prayers are special prayers for the children that are receiving Baptism. Following the prayers of the faithful is the litany, which is also for intercession. This is when the Saints join in praying for the candidate or candidates. After the Liturgy of the Word, we follow with the Prayer of Exorcism and anointing before Baptism. In this portion of the mass, the priest says this prayer to relieve the child from original sin, make the child a temple of God's glory, and to send the Holy Spirit to dwell with child. Following the prayer of exorcism, the child is anointed with the oil of catechumens on the breast. The next step is for the priest to lay his hand on the candidate and make their way to the font for a blessing. At this time, the minister will face the font and call upon God to give his prayers for the candidate. The celebrant then speaks to the parents and godparents for the renunciation of sin and the profession of faith. The celebration of baptism is the next step that takes place. The minister will invite the parents to the font and question the godparents, while also pouring water or immersing the candidate in water three times while saying the form. The celebrant will the anoint the candidate on the crown of his or her head with the sacred chrism. The white garment is put on at this time to symbolize acceptance into the religious community and a candle is lit to represent that the newly baptized person shares in the light of Christ. Finally, the Ephpetha takes place for the candidate to proclaim his faith. The rest of the mass is the same as usual from here on out, ending with the Lord's prayer and the blessing and dismissal. The sacrament of Baptism also has several effects which brings us into a closer relationship with Christ. These effects include every sin being washed away, including original sin, causing a new birth, making us members of the Mystical Body of Christ, the doorway to the church, and having an indelible spiritual mark that is imprinted on to our souls.
PICTURES FROM MY BAPTISM
MY GODPARENTS AND ME AT MY BAPTISM
In this photo, my godfather is to the far left, and my godmother is to the far right:
WHERE AND WHEN I HAD MY BAPTISM
I was baptized on November 18th, 2001, at Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Queens Village.
MY CURRENT CHURCH
My current church is Holy Spirit Church in New Hyde Park.