Baptism

  Since the beginning of the Church, we have understood that Baptism actually affects us.  It is something that God does to us. Protestants (in one way or another) have rejected the idea that the Sacraments actually do stuff to us. Depending on the denomination, they may be closer or farther from the full truth of what Baptism does, namely: •Allows us to go to Heaven (CCC 1257, John 3:3-7) •Forgives all sins (CCC 1263) ◦Original sin ◦Actual sins (obviously none for babies) ◦Punishment due to sin (if you died right then, you'd go straight to Heaven--nothing to be purified in Purgatory) •Gives new life in the Holy Spirit (makes each person a new creature, CCC 1265-1266) ◦Adopted by God as a son or daughter ◦Given sanctifying grace (made a partaker in God’s life) ◾Given Gifts of the Holy Spirit (Wisdom, Knowledge, Understanding, Fortitude, Counsel, Piety, Fear of the Lord) ◾Given Theological Virtues (Faith, Hope & Love) ◾Given Moral Virtues (prudence, justice, temperance, and...

Baptism and vocations: Vatican to hold Symposium on theology of priesthood The Holy See hosts a press conference to announce a Symposium on the theology of priesthood, which will seek to explore the relationship between the ordained priesthood and the priesthood of all the baptized. By Devin Watkins The Vatican will host a Theological Symposium on Vocations on 17-19 February 2022, entitled “Toward a Fundamental Theology of the Priesthood”. The event was presented on Monday at the Holy See Press Office by Cardinal Marc Ouellett, Professor Michelina Tenace, and Father Vincent Siret. The trio presented reports with the background and goals of next year’s Symposium, which will address the issue of clerical celibacy in the Latin rite and the priesthood of the baptized. Each of the three days will focus on a different theme. The first day will be dedicated to “Tradition and New Horizons”, the second to “Trinity, Mission, and Sacramentality”, and the third to “Celibacy, Charism, and Spi...

The Mystery of Baptism Baptism, as the central act of Christian initiation, is a rite rich in significance. At its heart are two fundamental affirmations. First, baptism, celebrated with water in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit and completed by chrismation and the reception of the Eucharist, brings about our union with God in Christ and our sharing in Christ’s death and resurrection. It is the act that marks the beginning of every distinctively Christian life; so, with the Apostle Paul, we affirm: “As many of you who have been baptized in Christ have put on Christ” (Gal.3:27). https://www.usccb.org/committees/ecumenical-interreligious-affairs/vocation-and-mission

The pope’s ‘inverted pyramid’ vision of the church By Michael M. Canaris -August 2, 201801358 Many experts argue that Pope Francis’ homily on Oct. 17, 2015 commemorating the 50th anniversary of the institution of the Synod of Bishops is among his most programmatic discourses on his ideas about the church thus far. In that compact but weighty speech, the pope puts forward a vision of the church which he calls an “inverted pyramid,” with the People of God, the base, above what is normally perceived to be the “apex.” The clergy, bishops, cardinals, and even His Holiness the “servant of servants of God,” himself are all located beneath the People, playing the role of undergirding systems of support for the wider believing faithful, not franchise branch managers, or guardians and dispensers of oligarchical stockpiles of grace. The ministers (from “minus” meaning “less”) do not “lord their power” over the rest of the People, but rather serve them effectively and tirelessly. This is the mark ...

https://www.usccb.org/committees/ecumenical-interreligious-affairs/vocation-and-mission The Vocation and Mission of the People of God: THE NORTH AMERICAN ORTHODOX-CATHOLIC THEOLOGICAL CONSULTATION The Vocation and Mission of the People of God: “A Chosen Race, a Royal Priesthood, a Holy Nation” But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s own people, that you may declare the wonderful deeds of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.Once you were no people; once you had not received mercy but now you have received mercy. (I Peter 2:9-10) Our Lord Jesus Christ continues to call individuals to be his disciples, members of the “holy nation” we call his Church. From the day of Pentecost, this saving relationship with Christ has normally been established through the solemn and joyous event of baptism and the gift of the Holy Spirit. A sacred rite, rich with deep significance - baptism, in water and in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy...