Intro to
Mass – Bless self? Jordan River!
Walk into a
Catholic Church – expect to see certain things:
Altar –
Pulpit – Tabernacle – Statues – Stations – Holy Water Fonts
Holy Water
Fonts – Baptismal Water – bless ourselves: reminding ourselves we are entering
Sacred Space & to remember our Baptism.
We are all
so different – yet one thing almost all of us have in common is our Baptism!
Feast of
Baptism of the Lord – Great opportunity to recall what happened to us at our
Baptism:
1) What Name Have You Given This Child –
unique identity “this is my beloved son/daughter” Pope Benedict: “Every baby,
every child carries the face of God.”
2) Signed with the Cross – In the Name
of . . . Holy Trinity & Cross – death & Resurrection of Jesus. Mark of
a Christian – part of God’s family, the Mystical Body of Christ. I am not
alone. 1 Billion Catholics
3) Oil of Catechumens – prayer is to be
set free from Original Sin. Sometimes a baby is born addicted to drugs/because
mother used drugs. Baby is innocent but needs to be saved. We all need a
Savior!
4) I Baptize You – a washing, a
cleansing from sin – into the death and resurrection of Jesus – children of
God.
5) Anointing with Chrism – Dwelling
place, temple of the Holy Spirit. Will
be strengthened in Confirmation.
6) Clothed with White Garment – clothed
in Christ – outward sign of our Christian dignity. – we belong to God.
7) Lighted Candle – Mission – let your
light shine – bring light to a darkened world.
Do you know
the date of your baptism? January 20, 1955.
Find out – because that day changed everything!!!
