Baptism

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...

https://www.ncronline.org/blogs/spiritual-reflections/finding-god

The Sacrament of Baptism in the Catholic Church Learn About the Practice and Effects of the Sacrament of Baptism https://www.learnreligions.com/the-sacrament-of-baptism-542130 Pope Benedict baptizes a child. (L'Osservatore Romano Vatican Pool/Getty Images) Pope Benedict XVI baptizes a child in the Sistine Chapel on the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, January 8, 2012. Photo by L'Osservatore Romano Vatican Pool / Getty Images By Scott P. Richert Updated May 04, 2019 The Sacrament of Baptism is often called "The door of the Church," because it is the first of the seven sacraments not only in time (since most Catholics receive it as infants) but in priority since the reception of the other sacraments depends on it. It is the first of the three Sacraments of Initiation, the other two being the Sacrament of Confirmation and the Sacrament of Holy Communion. Once baptized, a person becomes a member of the Church. Traditionally, the rite (or ceremony) of baptism was held ...