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The Sacrament of Baptism

community is equally important in
providing support and opportuni-

This is not just a privilege, but a ties for deeper engagement with
serious ecclesial function that plac- the faith, creating a robust spiritual

es godparents at the forefront of environment that encourages con-
nurturing the sacramental life ini- tinual growth and participation.

tiated at Baptism. They are en-
trusted with ensuring that the bap- The liturgy of the Baptism

tized are raised in the faith, which

is central to the Church’s mission. The Liturgical Celebration of Bap-
In today’s Church, one of the chal- tism is a rich and symbolic rite,

lenges we face is the presence of designed to deepen the faithful’s
non-evangelized baptized Chris- understanding of the profound spir-

tians in our communities. This high- itual realities of this first sacrament
lights the critical role that parents, of initiation. From the renunciation

godparents, and the wider commu- of sin and the profession of faith
nity play in shaping the faith life to the invocation of the Holy Spir-

of the baptized. The Catechism of it over the baptismal waters to
the Catholic Church emphasizes the each element of the baptismal lit-

responsibility of parents and god- urgy is carefully crafted to convey

parents in ensuring that the bap- the transformative power of this
tized are brought up in the faith sacred ritual. As described in the

(CCC 1255). This task is essential CCC, through baptism, we are freed
in helping those who have been from sin and reborn as sons of God,

baptized but not fully evangelized becoming members of Christ and
to grow in their understanding of sharing in the Church’s mission. This

Christianity and actively partic- powerful statement highlights the

ipate in the life and mission of transformative nature of this sacra-
the Church. The involvement of the ment, welcoming believers into the
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aWn-hn-f-¡v “ --sabv 2024 18