What is Baptism?

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What is Baptism?
Baptism is a welcome/initiation into the Catholic faith; it is also a gate way of the entire sacraments. Baptism is the first sacrament in the Catholic faith, because we believe that we are being cleansed by original sin, which was carried on by Adam and Eve.
Baptism gives us grace and faith as the first sacrament. It also joins us to Christ as he humbled himself to show what we have to do.
A sacrament is what Catholic’s can experience: healing, forgiveness, strength, love and presence of God. This is where God’s grace is put to work. The purpose of a sacrament is because these are like footsteps leading to a perfect life.

What happens at an infant Baptism ceremony?
Welcoming
At a Baptism ceremony, the parents are welcomed with their infant, by the priest into the Church. This shows the baby has been redeemed by God to his kingdom.
Gospel
Then the priest prays for the infant and one of the Gospels is read. So they can here the “good news.”
Promises made
The parent and godparents make promises on behalf of the child because he/she is too young.

Main baptism
Water is poured over the baby’s head, as the priest says “I baptise you, in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.” This show the original sins has being washed away.
Chrism and Exorcism
Then the priest blesses (chrisms) the child with the holy oil, this is used to remove the evil (exorcism).
Candle and White garment
A candle is given, as the priest says “receive the light of Christ.” The candle is lit from the Paschal candle (a big, white candle lit mainly at Easter). Also white garment is given to the parents (on behalf of the child) to show purity.
The role of God parents
The role of God parents is they lead the child to gro...

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...e of this decision. The infant does not know the full value of this. The similarities between adult and infant are that they both are cleansed with water. They both are expected to go to Church every Sunday.

Why people might prefer different styles of baptism?
Some people might prefer adult baptism because they can make the decisions, and know the values of this promise. They will also understand the importance of baptism.
As for an infant the parents have to choose the correct decisions. The infant won’t really understand the meaning of baptism.
I think babies should be baptised young even though they don’t understand what baptism is at least they can follow gods footsteps at a young age and praying be put to practise. If I was baptised as an adult. I would kind of not live a really good life because I really don't know God yet because I haven’t received him.

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