YOUCAT Question n. 195 - Part II. How is Baptism administered?
(Youcat answer - repeated) The
classical form of administering Baptism is the threefold immersion of the
candidate in the water. Usually, however, water is poured three times over the
head of the candidate, while the minister of the sacrament speaks the words,
“N., I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy
Spirit.”
A deepening through CCC
(CCC
1231) Where infant Baptism has become the form in which this sacrament is
usually celebrated, it has become a single act encapsulating the preparatory
stages of Christian initiation in a very abridged way. By its very nature
infant Baptism requires a post-baptismal catechumenate.
Not only is there a need for instruction after Baptism, but also for the
necessary flowering of baptismal grace in personal growth. The catechism has its proper place here.
Reflecting and meditating
(Youcat comment) Water symbolizes cleansing and
new life, which was already expressed in the baptism of repentance performed by
John the Baptist. The Baptism that is administered with water “in the name of
the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit” is more than a sign of conversion
and repentance; it is new life in Christ.
That is why the ceremony also includes the signs of anointing, the white
garment, and the baptismal candle.
(CCC Comment)
(CCC
1232) The second Vatican Council restored for the Latin Church "the catechumenate
for adults, comprising several distinct steps" (SC 64). The rites for
these stages are to be found in the Rite
of Christian Initiation of Adults (Cf. RCIA 1972). The Council also gives
permission that: "In mission countries, in addition to what is furnished
by the Christian tradition, those elements of initiation rites may be admitted
which are already in use among some peoples insofar as they can be adapted to
the Christian ritual" (SC 65; cf. SC 37-40).
No comments:
Post a Comment