Last week I began some reflections on the sacrament of Baptism, and today I would like to continue with that. Like every sacrament, Baptism is a sacred ritual celebrated with certain material elements, actions, and words. I mentioned last week that water is used because of its natural symbolism: it is used to cleanse us and is necessary for life. It is fitting that the Lord should direct His Church to use water in this sacrament to cleanse one from sin and bring about a “new life” in Christ. In the first centuries of Christianity it was the usual custom to immerse one in water, but other forms (sprinkling or pouring water) were occasionally used. It is understandable that immersion fell out of favor in the colder climates, especially in regard to children. Heated churches now allow for immersion to be used in some Catholic churches, though other practical considerations still make pouring the preferred form in most places. In all cases, the ritual is always accompanied by the words “I baptize you in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.” This is mandated by the Lord Himself before He ascended to His Father in heaven (Matthew 28:19). Although the ordinary minister of the sacrament is the priest or deacon, in an emergency any person may baptize, as long as they intend to do what the Church believes. They need simply to pour water over the person while saying the words the Lord gave us in Matthew. Of course, like all the sacraments, the norm is always that this sacred ritual be celebrated in the church by the Church’s minister (priest or deacon). Because the Lord teaches the necessity of Baptism (John 3:5), it is important that parents arrange (preferably before its birth) for the Baptism of their child soon after its birth. Next week I will talk about the role of Godparents, and the naming of the child. How is your Lent going? I recommend you add daily Mass to your Lenten ritual, if you can. Reflect on the daily Mass readings each day (they are listed in the bulletin, you can find them online, or in the Word Among Us available at church). Have a holy Lent! May God bless you! Fr. Schaller