THCT202 MODULE 3:SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM - GATEWAY TOLIFE IN THE SPIRIT

IntroductionInitiation RitesThe Sacrament of BaptismWhy do we Baptise Infants?Theological Context for the Rite of Baptism for ChildrenExploring the Rite of Baptism for ChildrenBaptism: Vitae Spiritualis IanuaActivity: Key Ideas Surrounding BaptismOfficial Church Teaching and RegulationRite of Christian Initiation of AdultsConclusion

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MODULE 3: SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM -GATEWAY TO LIFE IN THE SPIRIT 1The Sacrament of Baptism is the first sacrament received by all Christians. Baptism constitutes both the foundation and pre-requisite for all other sacraments – a person cannot receive any other sacraments without first receiving Baptism. Baptism isthe first of the Church’s Sacraments of Initiation. The Catechism of the Catholic Church explains that Baptism is followed bythe Sacrament of Confirmation and completed by the Sacrament of the Eucharist.

Module 3 runs over the course of two weeks, and will introduce you to the Sacrament of Baptism focusing on Baptism as thefirst of the Church’s Sacraments of Initiation; looking at the question of why Catholics baptise infants; exploring the Rite ofBaptism for Children; investigating the purposes of baptism; presenting what the Code of Canon Law has to say aboutbaptism; and introducing the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults in which adult converts to Catholicism receive Baptism,Confirmation and Eucharist in the one rite of initiation.

READINGS AND ACTIVITIESIn Module 3 you will find links to:

six required readings and two video resources with activities

Completing the required readings and their related activities will enhance your understanding of the Sacrament of Baptismand will supplement and expand on the materials presented to you in lectures.

The key concepts introduced in these Required Readings will be referenced in all of your Assessment Tasks for THCT202.

LEARNING OUTCOMESThis module will focus on the following learning outcomes:

Reflect critically on the theological, biblical and ecclesial meanings of the sacraments of initiation and reconciliation(GA4);Identify and explain the theological meaning of the central symbols employed in the Church’s sacramental rituals(GA4,GA9).

1 This module and its learning activities have been authored by Clare V. Johnson.

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3.1 INITIATION RITESAt various points in life, we stop to mark significant moments through special celebrations. In the life of the Christian, wemark significant spiritual milestones, beginning with birth (if one is born into a Christian family) or beginning with a personalchoice to become a Christian or a ‘rebirth in Christ’ (if one has reached maturity). The Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism,Confirmation and Eucharist, together bring us into full membership of the Christian community and full adoption into God’sfamily. These initiatory rites mark the beginning of our commitment to live out a Christian life. The promises we make (orwhich are made for us by our parents if we are infants) along with the gifts of grace we receive unmerited from God throughthese sacraments, enable us to choose each day to be a Christian and live as a Christian should live. With our initiation intothe Christian community come rights and responsibilities. Cooke and Macy explore ‘rituals of Christian initiation’ in Reading3.1.1. Take a look at this reading now.

3.1.1 SUMMARISE KEY ELEMENTS

PURPOSE:To explore and reflect on the rituals of Christian initiation and the rights and responsibilities that come with them.

RESOURCES:Cooke, Bernard and Gary Macy. “Rituals of Christian Initiation”. Christian Symbol and Ritual: An Introduction. NewYork: Oxford, 2005, 69-86.

TASK:After you have finished reading, consider the following:

1. Why did some people in the early centuries of Christianity put off baptism until close to the end of their lives?What did this say about their commitment to Christianity? What did Christians believe happened to those whodied without baptism, but who wished to be Christian?

2. What two reasons do Cooke and Macy identify for not repeating baptism?3. Cooke and Macy identify five key elements of initiation rituals. List these elements and briefly summarise them.

This will help you to solidify your understanding of the purpose of initiation rites.

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3.2 THE SACRAMENT OF BAPTISMIn the following video, Jennifer Willis presents an accessible introduction to the Sacrament of Baptism.

3.2.1 IDENTIFY, EXPLAIN AND DETERMINE SIGNIFICANCE

PURPOSE:To understand the Sacrament of Baptism and how the symbol of water is used in Baptism and other sacraments.This activity relates directly to Learning Outcome 3 for THCT202.

RESOURCES:External link: YouTube

TASK:As you watch, keep an eye out for the following:

1. Water is the central symbol used by the Church in the sacrament of Baptism. In the video, multipleinterpretations of what water means are introduced. How many different understandings of this symbol can youidentify in the video?

2. Throughout this video, Jennifer Willis mentions many different biblical references to the use and meaning ofwater – list them and try to determine which ones are the most significant for a Catholic understanding of thesymbol of water used in Baptism.

3. Catholics use water in other rites beyond Baptism – how else is water used in our rituals and what do theseother uses represent?

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3.3 WHY DO WE BAPTISE INFANTS?One of the divisive issues across Christian denominations with regard to Baptism is the baptism of infants. Should infants bebaptised? If so, on what grounds and to what purpose? Should infants remain unbaptised so that when they grow up theycan make a decision for themselves about whether they wish to be baptised or not? What happens if they die unbaptisedbefore they can make that decision?

Roman Catholic tradition maintains that it has always baptised infants. Mark Searle in Reading 3.2 examines the question ofinfant baptism and provides a wonderful description of the history underlying this question. Searle considers the issues ofthe importance of the faith of the candidate for baptism, the role of the church in the sacrament of baptism and the meaningof this sacrament. He concludes by proposing the need for proper socialisation of the family of the infant candidate forbaptism into the Christian community, and the need to take seriously the child as subject in the sacramental action.

3.3.1 ANALYSE THEOLOGICAL REASONING

PURPOSE:To consider the arguments for baptising infants in the Roman Catholic tradition.

RESOURCES:Searle, Mark. “Infant Baptism Reconsidered.” Alternative Futures for Worship: Vol 2 Baptism and Confirmation. Ed.Mark Searle. Collegeville: Liturgical, 1987, 15-54.

TASK:As you read, keep in mind…

1. What are the arguments for infant baptism? What are the arguments against infant baptism?2. What are the benefits to the infant of being baptized?3. What does Searle identify as the role of the family in educating the newly baptized infant into the faith? What

does Searle mean by the family as ‘domestic church’? How does family-faith relate to the expression of faith inthe local Church community (including the parish-school faith community)?

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3.4 THEOLOGICAL CONTEXT FOR THE RITE OFBAPTISM FOR CHILDRENThe primary source of the Church’s current theological teaching on the Sacrament of Baptism is the Rite of Baptism. Thebroad theological context within which to consider the Church’s celebration of the Rite of Baptism is contained in the Rite’sbrief praenotanda 2 document: “Christian Initiation: General Introduction.” Reading through this document will help you tounderstand the Rite of Baptism more fully.

3.4.1 REFLECT CRITICALLY ON THEOLOGICAL CONTEXT

PURPOSE:Reflect critically on and explain current theological teaching on the Sacrament of Baptism. This activity relates directlyto Learning Outcomes 1 and 3 for THCT202.

RESOURCES:The Rite of Baptism's brief praenotanda document “Christian Initiation: General Introduction”.

TASK:As you read, consider the following questions:

1. What does the water of baptism symbolize? Why are the words spoken while the water is poured so significanttheologically? What kind of water is needed for Baptism? (N.B. the answers to these questions are found indifferent parts of the document)

2. What is the role of ‘the people of God’ in the Rite of Baptism? Who should be present for the celebration of thesacrament of Baptism?

3. What is the role of the godparents in the sacrament of Baptism (both in the rite and afterwards)?4. Can the sacrament of baptism be received even if there is no priest or deacon available in an emergency

situation (i.e., in imminent danger of death)? Who can administer Baptism in these circumstances?

2 The Praenotanda is an official theological introduction to the liturgical rites which summarises the Church’s officialteaching and explanation of a rite or sacrament and the church’s expectations for its celebration.

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3.5 EXPLORING THE RITE OF BAPTISM FORCHILDRENFollowing the Second Vatican Council (1962-65), the Rite of Baptism for Children (RBC) was revised so that it was betteradapted to the actual condition of children; so that it made the roles and responsibilities of parents and godparents/sponsorsclearer; and so that it provided for various adaptations (such as for when large groups of people are to be baptised, andwhat to do when a child has already been baptised according to another Christian denomination). 3 The revised text of theRBC was first published in 1969 and the Australian edition of the rite appeared in 1971. The best way to learn about theSacrament of Baptism is by studying the prayers and symbolic ritual actions found in the Rite of Baptism.

3.5.1 REFLECT CRITICALLY

PURPOSE:Reflect critically on the Rite of Baptism and explain the symbolic ritual actions. This activity relates directly toLearning Outcomes 1 and 3 for THCT202.

RESOURCES:Study the prayers and symbolic ritual actions found in the Rite of Baptism for Children.

TASK:1. According to the prayers of the Rite of Baptism for Children, when parents request Baptism for their child, what

responsibilities do they agree to take on? Who is supposed to help them to carry out these responsibilities?2. What is the purpose of the prayer of exorcism and anointing before baptism? (hint: the prayers accompanying

these ritual actions explain their purpose)3. Why do the parents and godparents renounce sin and make a profession of faith as part of the Rite of Baptism

for Children?4. What are the 4 main symbolic ritual actions used in the Rite of Baptism and what does the Rite say these

symbolic ritual actions mean? What are the scriptural references which help to explain the 4 main symbols ofbaptism?

5. Why do the ritual participants in the Rite of Baptism for Children process to the altar to pray the Lord’s Prayer?(hint: look at the prayer prayed by the celebrant at the altar…)

3 Sacred Congregation for Divine Worship, “Decree,” (May 15, 1969), published in: Catholic Church, The Rite of Baptism forChildren (Sydney: E.J. Dwyer, 1971), 2.

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3.6 BAPTISM: VITAE SPIRITUALIS IANUA(GATEWAY TO LIFE IN THE SPIRIT)The Catechism of the Catholic Church describes the sacrament of Baptism as: “the basis of the whole Christian life, thegateway to life in the Spirit (vitae spiritualis ianua), and the door which gives access to the other sacraments. ThroughBaptism we are freed from sin and reborn as sons (and daughters) of God; we become members of Christ, are incorporatedinto the Church and made sharers in her mission: "Baptism is the sacrament of regeneration through water in the word." 4 Paragraph CCC1213 encapsulates many of the main theological themes of Baptism:

Gateway to life in the SpiritAccess to other SacramentsFreedom from sinRebirth as children of GodMembership in Christ and incorporation into the Church to become sharers of its mission

In his chapter on the Sacrament of Baptism, Kurt Stasiak explores many of these ideas in a summary of the theology ofbaptism, and then provides a link to and a comparison between the Rite of Baptism for Children and the Rite of ChristianInitiation of Adults. He notes that Baptism is one of three Catholic sacraments that cannot be repeated, and explains why.Stasiak explores Baptism as both a gift and a responsibility, noting that Baptism is a process, not a once-only ritual event –the ritual marks the beginning of the sacrament’s effect in our lives, and taking our Baptism seriously means that we mustwork at being a baptised-person throughout our lives rather than merely taking our ‘baptised-status’ as a given without anyexpectation that its fulfilment requires anything further from us.

Read what Stasiak has to say about Baptism as a gift and a challenge, so that you can gain a good understanding of howthis Sacrament operates for the infant recipient and for the adult recipient.

3.6.1 REFLECT CRITICALLY

PURPOSE:Reflect on the theological facets of baptism, in particular the implications of vitae spiritualis ianua. This activity relatesdirectly to Learning Outcome 1.

RESOURCES:Stasiak, Kurt. “The Sacrament of Baptism: The Gateway to Life in the Spirit”. Sacramental Theology: Means ofGrace, Ways of Life. Chicago: Loyola Press, 2002, 72-90.

TASK:At the conclusion of this chapter, Stasiak offers some questions for reflection. After you have read hischapter, consider Stasiak’s questions:

1. What does it mean to say that Baptism is a ‘burden’? How can Baptism be a ‘gift’ and a ‘burden’ at the sametime? 5

2. How does the Church reinitiate herself when she initiates new members? How does the RCIA supportTertullian’s claim that ‘Christians are not born, they are made’? 6

3. How can we consider infant Baptism a paradigm for what happens in every sacramental celebration? Whatcan the Baptism of infants tell us about adult faith? 7

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4 CCC#1213. Source: http://www.vatican.va/archive/ccc_css/archive/catechism/p2s2c1a1.htm.

5 Kurt Stasiak, “The Sacrament of Baptism: The Gateway to Life in the Spirit,” Sacramental Theology: Means of Grace,Ways of Life (Chicago: Loyola Press, 2002), 89.

6 Ibid.

7 Ibid., 90.

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3.7 ACTIVITY: KEY IDEAS SURROUNDINGBAPTISMFor an engaging explanation of many of the key ideas surrounding the Sacrament of Baptism, watch the following videofrom Fr. Robert Barron.

3.7.1 IDENTIFY KEY IDEAS

PURPOSE:Identify key ideas surrounding the Sacrament of Baptism and analyse using the key focus questions. This activityrelates directly to Learning Outcome 1 for THCT202.

RESOURCES:Video link: YouTube

TASK:As you watch, listen out for some central ideas about Baptism, and take some notes in response to the followingfocus questions:

1. In the first minute and a half of the video, Fr. Barron introduces 8 key ways of understanding the purpose ofBaptism and what it means to be a Christian: what are they and which of these most appeals to you? Why?

2. Fr. Barron states that Baptism is “all about grace”. How does he explain that statement in the video? Whatdoes he mean?

3. One of the difficult theological aspects of Baptism is the notion of ‘Original Sin.’ In the video, Fr. Barronprovides several contemporary analogies to describe what ‘original sin’ is and how it affects all human beings.Which of his analogies most helps you to understanding the presence of Original Sin even in newborn infantswho cannot have committed any person sin? How does this relate to what Catholics pray in the Nicene Creedwhen we state our belief in “one baptism for the forgiveness of sins”?

4. Fr. Barron explores the relationship of Baptism with all of the other Sacraments, explaining that it makes theother sacraments ‘make sense.’ What are the links he draws between Baptism and each of the othersacraments (Confirmation, Eucharist, Reconciliation, Marriage, Holy Orders, Anointing of the Sick)? How doesBaptism help to make sense of all of the other sacraments?

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3.8 OFFICIAL CHURCH TEACHING ON ANDREGULATION OF THE SACRAMENT OF BAPTISMThe Code of Canon Law explains the Church’s official rules and regulations regarding the Sacrament of Baptism. The Codeof Canon Law is the Church’s “principal legislative document” which ensures “order both in individual and social life and alsoin the Church’s own activity” through laying down “certain rules and norms of behaviour.” 8

Though imbued with the Spirit of Christ, the Church is still a human social institution which must be governed and guided bya set of agreed-upon rules and expectations for how it is constituted and how the clergy and members of the faithful areexpected to behave “so that the members of the Christian faithful in living the Christian life may share in the goods offeredby the Church to lead them to eternal salvation.” 9 In order to understand the Church’s teaching on Baptism morecomprehensively, it is essential in to consult with the Code of Canon Law.

INTRODUCING CANON LAW ON THE SACRAMENT OF BAPTISMThe following activity will introduce you to the use of the Code of Canon Law as a valuable reference resource for whenquestions arise about the Church’s teaching and rules regarding Sacraments.

3.8.1 EXPLORE CANON LAW

PURPOSE:Consult the Code of Canon Law to discover the Church's rules and regulations regarding the Sacrament of Baptism.This activity relates directly to Learning Outcome 1 for THCT202.

RESOURCES:Proceed to the Vatican website where the official English translation of the Code of Canon Law is located.

TASK:Read through the relevant canons on Baptism (canons 849-878) in order to discover answers to some questions youmay encounter in relation to Baptism:

1. When should Baptism be celebrated?2. Who can baptise?3. What are the requirements for being a baptismal sponsor/godparent?4. If a Christian baptized in a non-Catholic ecclesial community wishes to become Catholic, must he/she be re-

baptised in the Catholic Church?

8 John Paul II, Apostolic Constitution “Sacrae Disciplinae Leges,” (January 25, 1983), source:http://www.vatican.va/archive/ENG1104/__P1.HTM

9 Code of Canon Law, Preface to the Latin Edition, #1, source: http://www.vatican.va/archive/ENG1104/__P1.HTM

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3.9 RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS(RCIA)The way in which infants and young children are initiated into the Catholic Church is quite different from the way in whichthose who come to seek entry into the Church as adults are initiated. When the candidate for baptism is already a matureperson, capable of thinking for themselves and making their own conscious choice to be a Christian, the Churchacknowledges that a comprehensive approach to bringing them through a process of enlightenment and learning is requiredbefore they are ready to be initiated into membership of the body of Christ, the Church.

The current Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) was developed following the Second Vatican Council (1962-65) inorder to reintroduce a modern version of the ancient Church’s way of initiating adults. This process was known as the‘catchumenate’, a period of instruction in the faith and discipline of the Church that could last for several years. The RCIAwas promulgated in 1972 and revised slightly, prior to publication in 1988. It is designed as a process of faith developmentand catechetical instruction, punctuated by various small rites marking different stages of the journey which brings an adultseeker into membership of the Christian community. The RCIA is constituted of seven elements: four time-periods and threeritual steps (culminating in the reception of Baptism-Confirmation-Eucharist).

Kathleen Hughes explains the process, spirituality, ritual elements and time-periods which make up the RCIA.

3.9.1 IDENTIFY AND REFLECT

PURPOSE:Read the text closely to identify the periods of the RCIA and their specific rites. Reflect on how we celebrate asnourishment of faith.

RESOURCES:Hughes, Kathleen. “Christian Initiation of Adults”. Saying Amen: A Mystagogy of Sacrament. Chicago: LiturgyTraining Publications, 1999, 33-59.

TASK:As you read, take special note of:

The purpose of each stage or time-period of the RCIA (be careful to list all 4)The specific rites (non-sacramental and sacramental) that occur as part of the RCIA process (be sure to list allrites or sets of rites which occur)What Hughes emphasizes about the use of ritual and symbol in the rites of the RCIA and that ‘how wecelebrate’ is vitally important in the expression and nourishment of faith which can take place powerfully in ritesespecially when they are celebrated well.

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3.10 CONCLUSIONModule 3 has focused on Baptism as the first of the Church’s Sacraments of Initiation, and has looked at the question ofwhy Catholics baptise infants. This module has explored the Rite of Baptism for Children; investigated the purposes ofbaptism; presented what the Code of Canon Law instructs about baptism, and introduced the Rite of Christian Initiation ofAdults in which Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist are received by adult converts to Catholicism in one extended ritualcelebration.

Module 4 will introduce you to the second Sacrament of Initiation, Confirmation. The Catechism of the Catholic Churchexplains that “the reception of the sacrament of Confirmation is necessary for the completion of baptismal grace.”(CCC#1285) Module 3 has emphasised the importance of the foundational sacrament of Baptism; Module 4 will explore thehow the Sacrament of Confirmation relates to and completes Baptism.

CHECK YOUR PROGRESSWhen you have completed the Required Reading and activities for Module 3, you will be ready to undertake the Short Quizwhich will provide an opportunity for you to check on your learning progress in Module 3, and prepare you for completingyour Assessment Tasks for THCT202.

Now return to Module 3 of THCT202 in LEO to complete the short quiz.

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