Baptism

Question 1

Catechumenate

Answer 1

• A Greek word that means “Study or instruction”
• In the early Church, this was a two to three year period of study about the Christian faith
• Celebration of the Sacraments of Initiation did not occur until after the catecumenate

Question 2

Scrutinies

Answer 2

• Prayer services in which the Church prays for and over The Elect
• The prayer asks God to forgive the Elect
• Also asks God to forgive the elected peoples sins and to strengthen them with grace

Question 3

Catechists

Answer 3

• Teachers of the faith

- They are ordained ministers and lay people who help make Christian disciples

Question 4

Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RICA)

Answer 4

-The process by which anyone of catechetical age is initiated into the Catholic Church

Question 5

Prefigurations of Baptism in the Old Testament

Answer 5

• The Spirit of God hovers over the waters of Creation (Genesis)
• Noah’s Arc: The waters of the Flood wash away the sins of the world (birth of a new riteous world)
• Parting of the Red Sea: Israelites were enslaved in Egypt (Birth of a new free nation)

Question 6

Prefiguration of Baptism in the New Testament

Answer 6

• John the Baptist in the Jordan River: Tells people to repent, say no to your sins (Birth of repentance)
• Blood and water flowing from Jesus’ pierced side as he hangs from the cross

Question 7

Steps of the Catechumenate Process

Answer 7

• Pre-Catechumenate:
  
  • Curiosity stage (inquiring about the faith)
• Catechumenate:
  
  • Period of teaching
  • 2 to 3 years of instruction, guidance, prayer and worship
• Purification/Enlightenment/Illumination:
  
  • Starts at Lent
  • Everyone writes their name in the Book of Elect
  • Go through 3 or more scrutinies
  • RCIA
• Mystagogia:
  
  • The Mystery
  • 50 days (Easter Season)
  • Demonstrate their faith

Question 8

Baptism of Blood

Answer 8

• Martyrs and Witnesses
• Martyrs who die for the faith are baptized because they believed
• No water involved

Question 9

Baptism of Desire

Answer 9

• A person wanted to be baptized, but never had a chance
• Is saved because of their true desire to follow Christ
• No water involved

Question 10

Original Sin

Answer 10

• The fallen state into which all people are born
• Separated from God
• Nature is hostile
• Death
• People turn on each other

Question 11

Sacred Chrism

Answer 11

• Oil blessed by Bishop

- Used to anoint during Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Orders

Question 12

Original Holiness and Justice

Answer 12

• In friendship with God
• The state of men and women before sin
• Harmony with nature and others

Question 13

Pompa Diaboli

Answer 13

• Show put on by the devil
• The promise of the more sinful things in life
• Promise happiness but bring corruption
• Pomp= celebration
• Ex: Money, material goods, power, carnal pleasure

Question 14

Theological Virtues:

Answer 14

• Faith:
  
  • Trust in God
  • Surrender on Far Side of Reason
  • Leap into darkness
  • Science rests upon Faith
• Hope:
  
  • Sovereign Lord of Visible and Invisible
  • Commanding the Universe
  • Confidence in Gods plan
• Love:
  
  • Willing the good of another and acting
  • “Tough love”– not always kind

Question 15

The Theological Virtues are NOT:

Answer 15

• Faith:
  
  • Bad or primitive science
  • sub rational/irrational
  • misconceptions
  • suspicion
• Hope:
  
  • giddy optimism
  • God will eliminate pain and suffering
• Love:
  
  • heart of Gold
  • nice
  • gentlemen

Question 16

Catechumens

Answer 16

-Unbaptized people who are preparing to receive all of the sacraments of Christian Initiation

Question 17

Why Christ didn’t need Baptism, but was baptized anyways.

Answer 17

• Has no orginial sin or sin at all
• Goes through baptism as a model (people will follow him)
• Also to give his human approval of salvation

Question 18

Why Baptism is necessary for Salvation.

Answer 18

• Removes original sin
• Necessary for salvation because we are baptized into Jesus’ death so we can experience the Resurrection
• With Original Sin, a person cannot enter Heaven (reason why Jesus died for us)

Question 19

When the RCIA was revived, and why it is important to the whole community.

Answer 19

• After Vatican 2
• The whole community prays over the Elect for the Catechumens, guides them through Catechumenate
• We are welcoming these new people into our family

Question 20

Pope Francis’ Catechesis

Answer 20

• Baptism is not a formality
• Your baptism is a blessed date, and you should know it
• Cleanses us of Original Sin
• Children that are baptized are brought into the Kingdom of God

Question 21

Liturgy of Baptism

Answer 21

1. Introductory Rites
   - Candidates or sponsor declare that they want Baptism
   - Congregation serves are witness
   - Sign of the cross on forehead
2. Essential Rites
   - sign of the cross
   - Word of God (mentions stories that prefigure baptism)
   - Exorcism
3. Exorcism +Profession of Faith
   - Prayers invoking God’s help overcoming Satan and evil spirits
   - The Creed
4. Blessing of the Water
5. Essential Rites of Baptism (Necessary)
   - Poor water on person or dunk them (3 times)
   - “ Name, I Baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit”
6. Anointing with Sacred Chrism
7. Receiving of clothing in a white garment (putting on a new life, cleansed of original sin)
8. Receiving of a lit candle
   - Lit from the Paschal candle
   - we must carry that light into the world