Baptism

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Baptism

• Symbols and Actions

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Actions Words

• In all sacraments the Church is the primary
  symbol - the Christian community takes the
  initiative in inviting us into divine life
• Symbols Symbolic Actions Significant Words
  Expressing the meaning of the Sacraments

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Symbols - Baptism

• New Testament - Jesus is baptized in the River
  Jordan.
• Jesus refers to the life he offers as living
  water.

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Symbols - Baptism

• White Garment- Becoming a new Creation
• Being clothed in Christ
• Color of purity

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Symbols of Baptism

• Water - Cleansing and Life-giving
• Water can be refreshing.
• Vital for human life.
• Being plunged into water can be a deadly
  experience.
• Genesis - God breathes on the water to bring
  order to creation.
• Exodus - Parting of the Red Sea.
• Noah - World of sin is destroyed and washed clean
  to start fresh.

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Symbols - Baptism

• Lighted Candle - Sharing in the Light of Christ
• Light dispels darkness.
• It guides the lost.
• It is warm, inviting, comforting.
• Jesus called himself the light of the world.
• The baptized is given a candle whose flame is
  received from the large Easter (Paschal) candle
  to signify that the newly baptized person shares
  in the light of Christ.

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Symbols - Baptism

• Oil Anointing with oil on the breast or on both
  hands before the water ritual is associated with
  asking for strength for the person. The anointing
  of the new Christian after the water ritual
  signifies being chosen.
• Athletes and soldiers would put on oil for
  strength and protection
• Oil was used in anointing leaders and kings.