By: Christina, Bianca, and Nikki

Saint Charles Lwanga
Saint Charles taught young boys in secret, the Catholic faith. With Saint Charles help, he gave strength to the young boys he taught. When the king found out, he locked them in the compound that they were held in. While they were locked, he gathered all the Christian boys. All the others who followed him were baptized that night.

Baptism, often called the Door of the Church and the Bath of Rebirth, is a sacrament of Initiation that welcomes you to the Catholic Church, cleanses you of Original Sin, you receive the gift of the Holy Spirit, and are reborn as sons of God. Baptism also is the basis of Christian life, started when Jesus was baptized in the Jordan, and has a few symbols to go along with it.

Symbols of Baptism

• Holy Water
• Oils
• White garments
• Dove
• The Paschal Candle

Holy Water
The holy water is poured on the head of the person who is being baptized. This is preformed by the priest, bishop, cardinal, deacon, or pope.

Oils
There are two oils used during Baptism. The first oil used is Catechumen which is a sign of strength.This oil is placed on the chest. The second oil is Sacred Chrism. This is placed on the forehead.

White Garments
White garments, also called Garments of Immortality, are worn as a sign of acceptance and belonging in the community of faith. It is also a sign of Jesus' light now present in that person.

Dove
A dove is a symbol of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is received by the person being baptized during Baptism.

The Paschal Candle
The Paschal Candle is a symbol of enlightenment and light. This is also a sign of hope and the strength of love. During the act of Baptism the candle is to be lit so the flame of faith remains alive.

Questions

• 1. Give us one other name that Baptism is called.
• 2. What are the five symbols of Baptism that we showed you?
• 3. What is one of the oils use during Baptism?
• 4. True or False? Baptism is the basis of Christian life.

The End