The Sacrament of Baptism

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All human beings are born with Original sin and without Sanctifying grace. Original sin was the very first sin that was committed by the first humans, Adam and Eve. It can be erased off of someone’s soul by the sacrament known as Baptism. Baptism consists of matter and form. Its effects get rid of original sin and any other sin committed before receiving the sacrament, and remits all the punishments from the sins as well. It bestows sanctifying grace and sacramental grace. This sacrament can only be received once, and once it is, a permanent mark is left upon the soul and the recipient becomes a member of Christ and His Church. It is a necessary sacrament to reach Heaven. The word baptism comes from the Greek language meaning dipping in/under water. Original sin is the first sin that was committed by Adam and Eve. It left a mark upon every soul after that, beside Mary and Jesus. Baptism washes away the stain of original sin. Original sin is imbedded on the souls of every man. Through the ceremony of Baptism it can finally be removed. Christ alone instituted the Sacrament of Baptism. The time that Baptism was instituted was not recorded. According to St. Augustine, St. Gregory, and St. Thomas the Sacrament may have been instituted when Christ Himself was baptized by St. John the Baptist. It wasn’t a sacrament before Christ instituted it because He had not yet opened the gate to Heaven. Only Christ has the power to institute a sacrament. We know this from scripture. The people that were baptized had their graces delayed until it was declared a Sacrament. The essentials in the administration of Baptism are the matter, the form, the Minister, and the recipient. The matter is the holy water that washes over the h... ... middle of paper ... ... as the god parents. If the recipient is too young, such as a baby, the sponsors answer in the child’s name and take the responsibility of catechizing them in the faith in conjunction with the legal guardian of the child. Baptismal vows are the promises the recipient, or the recipient’s sponsors made. The vows renounce Satin and all his works and prompts. The Ceremonies of baptism takes place inside a Church. The head of the recipient is anointed with Chrism, and then a white linen cloth is laid upon the recipient’s head along with few words. The priest then gives the recipient’s sponsor a lit candle. Baptism is a very special way of becoming a member of Christ’ Church. Through it, unique graces are then available to us and we are able to receive Salvation. Works Cited Mass and the Sacrament; Book II Fr. John Laux, M.A. Tan Books and Publishers, inc. 1990

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