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THE SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM
Unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the Kingdom of God. Men can only reproduce human life, but the Holy Spirit gives new life from heaven. . . (John 3:3)Through
the
Sac The
external signs of Baptism are water, anointing, and light.
The person to be baptized is immersed in water as a sign
of the inner spiritual reality of rebirth into new life from God. The
anointing with oil symbolizes that, like Jesus, the newly baptized is
also called to carry out God’s work in the world.
The newly baptized (or godparents) hold lighted candles to
show that, like Christ, this person is to be a light to the world.
Infant Baptism
During
the earliest years of the Church, only adults were permitted to be
baptized, and only after a year or two of preparation.
The
practice of infant baptism arose in response to the earnest longing
of Christian parents to share the gift of baptism with their children. At Our Lady of Refuge, Infant Baptisms are celebrated on the last Sunday of each month, except during the season of Lent. Parents and godparents prepare for this great event by participating in a special class conducted by the parish Infant Baptism Team. Baptism of Older Children
Children over the age of six at Our Lady of Refuge enroll in the
Children's
Initiation process,
which consists of weekly classes in preparation for the sacrament of
Baptism. Children’s
Initiation parallels the process of Adult Initiation (RCIA), and is
conducted by trained teachers and catechists. Baptism of
Adults
Adults prepare to receive the
sacrament of Baptism at Our Lady of Refuge through the
Adult
Initiation (RCIA) process. The
informal, informative weekly gatherings, presented by trained
parishioners, are based on the scriptural record of Jesus’ life, and
provide ongoing opportunities for inquiry, discussion, reflection,
prayer, service, and personal faith formation.
If you are looking for a gift to celebrate the Baptism of a family member or friend, remember our website Sponsors. Click on the following link - Gift SponsorsLinks
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SACRAMENTAL LIFE
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