The dignity bestowed upon us by Baptism

The dignity bestowed upon us by Baptism

• Which are the main symbols used in Baptism?

• What is the meaning of these symbols?

The main symbols:

Anointing with the oils

Water

The candle The whitegown

Water: why is it important for us?

• it washes dirt away and cleanses

• it washes sins away and cleanses the soul

In everyday life In Baptism

• it drowns and destroys life • we die in Christ for our sins

• it gives new life• we are

raised for a new life in Christ

In everyday life In Baptism

From the Letter of St Paul to the Romans:“By our baptism into his death we were buried with him, so that as Christ was raised from the dead by the Father’s glorious power, we too should begin living a new life.”

The baptismal fonts used by early Christians were often in the shape of a tomb.

The white gown

On Mount Tabor:Christ was seen dressed in white, “whiter than any bleacher could make them.”

In Baptism:We put on Christ, starting to share his life of holiness and glory.

The candle

In Baptism:The little candle is lit from the Easter Candle.The Easter Candle is the symbol of the Risen Christ.Those who are baptised receive the light and life of the Risen Christ in their own life.

The dignity bestowed upon us by Baptism

Baptism makes our life as valuable as Christ’s own life which he wants to share with us!

Baptism makes us in the image of Christ, makes us his brothers and sisters, gives us a share in his own life.

The dignity bestowed upon us by Baptism

Baptism makes us God’s adoptive children. It gives us the dignity that belongs to the children of God!

If we are Christ’s brothers and sisters, with him we can call God “Abba! Father!”

The dignity bestowed upon us by Baptism

Baptism makes us more valuable than the most beautiful Cathedral! It makes us living temples of the Spirit of God.

In Baptism we receive the Holy Spirit who makes us his very own dwelling. We become temples of the Holy Spirit.

The dignity bestowed upon us by Baptism

Baptism makes as valuable as all that belongs to God!

Baptism makes us the children of God and therefore heirs of all that is his.

Baptism gives us the special dignity that belongs to those who are:

the image of Christ the children of God the temples of the Holy Spirit the heirs of God