Meaning of Baptism

Meaning of Baptism

The word 'Baptism' comes from the Greek verb 'to immerse' or 'to

wash'.Baptism is a Christian ritual or sacrament performed with water

by which the baptised person is incorporated into the life and the

teachings of Christ, in the context of a Christian church. Through

Baptism we are freed from sin and reborn as sons of God; we become

members of Christ and we are welcomed into the Church.

Catholic traditions use specially prepared water for baptism and

believe baptism to be a sacrament intended for infant children as well

as for adults.

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In infant baptism most Church traditions practice sprinklingor pouringof

thewater as a mode of baptism, often using a specially constructed

bowl to hold the water, a baptismal font. Pouring symbolizes the

pouring out of the Holy Spirit. Sprinkling symbolizes the sprinkling

of blood to cover our sins.

Renunciation of sin and Profession of Faith - before being washed by

the baptismal waters, it is necessary to proclaim one's faith. It is

the faith of the Church which the parents and godparents proclaim in

the child's name since he/she cannot do. Baptism is the initiation

into a process of growth, of personal maturity, which required a daily

beginning.

The oil used in infant baptism is called chrism and catechumenit is

applied to the infant's forehead this anointing signifies that the new

Christian participates in Christ's priesthood. catechumen - this kind

of sacred oil is used in the ceremonies of Baptism, and derives its

name from that fact a catechumen being an instructed convert who is

about to receive the Sacrament of Baptism. [During] the administration

of that Sacrament [to a child,] the priest says "We anoint you with

the oil of salvation in the name of Christ our Savoir; may he

strengthen you with his power, which lives and reigns for ever and

ever." The priest makes with this oil the sign of the cross on the

[breast of the] person who is to be baptized...A candle is also given