2019.11.10 The Seven Signs Start With Baptism

Overview and Learning Objective(s):

After a very high level review of the seven sacraments, the children took a deep dive into Baptism and learned that it was the beginning of their new life in Jesus. At their Baptism, they became members of the one true church founded by Jesus Himself, and joined the largest and most famous family in the world - the Catholic Church. We are well over a billion strong, playing a vital role in global service to those most in need. If we all lived our faith, Catholics would literally change the face of the earth!

As we began our study, it was important to revisit the story of Adam and Eve.  It is because of their "original" sin that we are all born with this built-in urge to disobey. It is through the sacrament of Baptism that we are given a new start in life as God's child, and thereby have the wherewithal to make our way back to Him in heaven.

We also learned how Jesus was baptized by his cousin, John.  This was His way of teaching us the importance of Baptism so that we would do the same.  At Jesus' Baptism we came to understand that the Holy Trinity is present when it occurs. 

Catholics must be baptized, in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, before any of the other sacraments can be received.  It is the first of three Sacraments of Initiation or Joining.  Baptism is rich in both symbolism and power.

In the pre-baptismal ceremony, through the powerful prayers of the priest, a child's name is inscribed in the Book of Life, the child is given a Guardian Angel of Light, and the Evil One is driven away, as the priest breathes gently over the child. After a procession to the front of the church, the priest uses Holy Oil to anoint the child's senses and prepare him/her to live as a reborn Christian Catholic.  Then the child is immersed in holy water three times, as original sin is washed away, his/her soul is filled with God's grace, s/he becomes a child of God, and a member of the Catholic Church.

In addition to water, another symbol that is used in the baptismal ceremony is a white cloth that is placed on the child to symbolize the "putting on a new life" or identity as a newly baptized catholic whose soul is now pure and clean. Finally, the parents are given a candle to show that the child, through Baptism, has received the Light of Christ and now can live a life that is good and one from which others can learn how to live.

At Baptism, there are usually many witnesses, but two important people in attendance are the Godparents, chosen by the parents as sponsors to help ensure that the child is spiritually developing and living a life that is in harmony with Catholic teachings. 

New Words:

Sacrament, Grace, Initiation, Godparents

Today's Class Activity for Reinforcement:

The class reenacted both the Baptism of Jesus and the Baptism of a baby doll.  Look for upcoming pictures in the Picture Gallery!

At Home Reinforcement:

Find a few photos from your child's baptism.  Talk about that day, using the activity as a way to review what they have learned about this amazing sacrament.