Part 1 of 3:  THE IMPORTANCE OF THE SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM

Christian initiation is accomplished by 3 sacraments – Baptism, which is the beginning of new life in Christ, Confirmation which strengthens us in the Holy Spirit and Eucharist which nourishes us with the Body and blood of Christ.  In the Catholic Catechism we are told that “Baptism is birth into the new life of Christ.  In accordance with the Lord’s will, it is necessary for salvation, as is the Church herself, which we enter by Baptism.”  By Baptism, the person baptized is configured to Christ and becomes a child of God and member of the Catholic Church!  It is this sacrament which opens us to all the graces that are ours through the other Sacraments.  In the Sacrament of Baptism, we have been claimed for Christ, our Savior.  Next week we will learn about why Baptism should be celebrated during the Sunday Liturgy.  This update is part of a series on Baptism being celebrated during Mass.  This will be an option for our parish children to be be baptized at the 11:30 A.M. liturgy on the first Sunday of each month, beginning in December.