SYMBOLS OF BAPTISM:
During the sacraments the Church takes material things (water, oil, bread, wine) and uses human actions (washing, anointing, blessing, eating, drinking) to communicate God’s deep presence - God's Love.
Through Te Wairua Tapu/The Holy Spirit these material things and human actions become outward, visible signs of God's inward, invisible Grace.
Through Te Wairua Tapu/The Holy Spirit these material things and human actions become outward, visible signs of God's inward, invisible Grace.
Discuss some things that represent new beginnings for you:
-daffodils, new year's resolutions, spring, birth, seedlings, contacts, blossoms, ducklings
-daffodils, new year's resolutions, spring, birth, seedlings, contacts, blossoms, ducklings
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Perfumed oil – called chrism
We are blessed with oil at Baptism. We call this blessing anointing. This means to pour or rub oil or ointment on people to strengthen and protect them, as a sign of God’s grace. Traditionally priests, prophets and kings were anointed as a sign of their special roles and to make them strong. We are anointed for the same reasons - to recognise how wonderful it is to be in God's family and to be strong followers of Jesus. Oil is an ancient symbol. It can be used to produce light, perfume can be added to make it smell nice and feel good on the skin, many fruits produce oil and animals produce it to keep themselves waterproof. |
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Water – Holy water which has been blessed In everyday life water is life giving, and in Baptism it symbolises God giving life to us. It symbolises washing away our sins, making us holy and giving us a new life. It unites us with the Trinity, as we are blessed in the name of the Father and the Son and of the Holy Spirit. |
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Lighted Candle – a symbol of Jesus Jesus said “I am the light of the world” It reminds us to keep the light of faith burning, to carry the light of Christ in our hearts and to be God’s light in this world. |
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White Garment – a sign of a newly baptized person The white cloth represents an outward sign of Christian dignity, joy and happiness. |
“For all of you who were baptised into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ”
Galatians 3:27
Galatians 3:27
Signs and symbols are part of the Catholic language and so is prayer.
Prayer
For Jesus prayer was an important part of his life. Whenever he had a major decision to make or important job to do he would take time out and pray to his Father in heaven.
To be able to become a member of the Church and live as a member of this Church you will need the help of God. Just as Jesus taught his disciples to pray, he now teaches you. Pray the scripture passage slowly and spend a little time reflecting on a phrase or word that stands out.
Matthew 6:9-13 Pray then like this: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil."
Spend time praying the Our Father every morning and every night this week. After you have done this take some time to talk to God in prayer, and then just listen for a response …
For Jesus prayer was an important part of his life. Whenever he had a major decision to make or important job to do he would take time out and pray to his Father in heaven.
To be able to become a member of the Church and live as a member of this Church you will need the help of God. Just as Jesus taught his disciples to pray, he now teaches you. Pray the scripture passage slowly and spend a little time reflecting on a phrase or word that stands out.
Matthew 6:9-13 Pray then like this: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil."
Spend time praying the Our Father every morning and every night this week. After you have done this take some time to talk to God in prayer, and then just listen for a response …
Prayer is another way we can spend time with God. Because God loves us so much God wants to spend as much time as possible with us. We can talk to God about what we need, what we are sad about, what we are grateful for or times when we are having troubles or problems.
There are many prayers that we share as a community, you can find them at the front of your book. But you can pray in many different ways and you can talk to God by making up your own prayers or just listening to what God may be saying to you.
There are many prayers that we share as a community, you can find them at the front of your book. But you can pray in many different ways and you can talk to God by making up your own prayers or just listening to what God may be saying to you.