Heb 6, 2a Instruction about baptisms (II) [continuation]

(Heb 6, 2a) Instruction about baptisms (II) [continuation]
[2a] Instruction about baptisms

(CCC 1247) Since the beginning of the Church, adult Baptism is the common practice where the proclamation of the Gospel is still new. The catechumenate (preparation for Baptism) therefore occupies an important place. This initiation into Christian faith and life should dispose the catechumen to receive the gift of God in Baptism, Confirmation, and the Eucharist. (CCC 1248) The catechumenate, or formation of catechumens, aims at bringing their conversion and faith to maturity, in response to the divine initiative and in union with an ecclesial community. The catechumenate is to be "a formation in the whole Christian life… during which the disciples will be joined to Christ their teacher. The catechumens should be properly initiated into the mystery of salvation and the practice of the evangelical virtues, and they should be introduced into the life of faith, liturgy, and charity of the People of God by successive sacred rites" (AG 14; cf. RCIA 19; 98). (CCC 1249) Catechumens "are already joined to the Church, they are already of the household of Christ, and are quite frequently already living a life of faith, hope, and charity" (AG 14 § 5). "With love and solicitude mother Church already embraces them as her own" (LG 14 § 3; cf. CIC, cann. 206; 788 § 3). (CCC 1255) For the grace of Baptism to unfold, the parents' help is important. So too is the role of the godfather and godmother, who must be firm believers, able and ready to help the newly baptized - child or adult - on the road of Christian life (Cf. CIC, cann. 872-874). Their task is a truly ecclesial function (officium) (Cf. SC 67). The whole ecclesial community bears some responsibility for the development and safeguarding of the grace given at Baptism. (CCC 1256) The ordinary ministers of Baptism are the bishop and priest and, in the Latin Church, also the deacon (Cf. CIC, can. 861 § 1; CCEO, can. 677 § 1). In case of necessity, anyone, even a non-baptized person, with the required intention can baptize (CIC, can. 861 § 2), by using the Trinitarian baptismal formula. The intention required is to will to do what the Church does when she baptizes. The Church finds the reason for this possibility in the universal saving will of God and the necessity of Baptism for salvation (Cf. 1 Tim 2:4). [it continues]