THE MODE OF BAPTISM
By Giuseppe Monno The Greek term baptízō, translated as “baptism,” literally means “to immerse.” Spiritually, however, it refers to being united with Christ in His death, so as to rise again with Him and live a new life (cf. Romans 6:3–7; Colossians 2:12). The term can also be understood as “washing,” not only in a […]
THE BAPTISM OF CHILDREN
By Giuseppe Monno In one episode of the Gospel according to Mark, Jesus rebukes his disciples, saying: “Let the little children come to me; do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these” (Mark 10:13–14). The early Christian community likely understood this passage in a baptismal sense, recognizing in Jesus’ […]
Q: Are parents bound to give a Christian name to their child at baptism?
A: The 1917 Code (761) made it clear that if parents refused to provide a Christian name, the pastor was bound to add a saint’s name to the name proposed by the parents, and to record both names in the baptismal register. The current 1983 Code of Canon Law (855) states, “Parents, sponsors, and the […]
Q: Is it sufficient to baptize in the name of Jesus Christ, as we read in the Scriptures?
A: No, the form of baptism was laid down by Christ Himself: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” (Mt 28:19). Baptism “in the name of Christ” means Christian baptism contrasted with the baptism of John the […]
Baptism of Desire
The “Baptism of Desire” is a legitimate concept in traditional Catholic theology, as long as the concept is properly understood. The priest in question was most likely speaking about the ways in which this proper understanding has been distorted by the Modernists into a sort of salvation for all who think happy thoughts (and, perhaps, even […]
The Brand of God
©2021 Victor R. Claveau, MJ A brand is a mark of ownership. Branding is usually done on the thick hide of an animal, by burning with a hot iron. If we want to belong to Jesus, we too must be branded. Obviously, we do not brand people on their flesh, but God does brand them […]
Who can baptize?
The ordinary ministers of Baptism are the bishop and priest and, in the Latin Church, also the deacon. In case of necessity, any person, even someone not baptized, can baptize, if he has the required intention. The intention required is to will to do what the Church does when she baptizes, and to apply the […]
The Jewish Background of Christian Baptism
Ron Moseley, Ph. D.There is no question that the church is debtor to Judaism for its main structure including such items as Messiah, Scripture, canon, liturgy, altar, pulpit, church offices, songs, offerings, the Lord’s Supper, as well as baptism itself. Dr. Merrill Tenney, the editor of the Zondervan Encyclopedia of the Bible said, “Baptism as […]
Infant Baptism
Infants are to be baptized very soon after birth, but no definite rule as to time is laid down by canon law. It is the continuous tradition of the Catholic Church from the Apostles onwards that our Lord intended the sacrament of Baptism to be conferred on infants equally with adults (cf., Lk. 18:15; Jn. […]
Commentaries of the Fathers of the Church on John 3:5
Born of Water and Spirit. St. John Chrysostom. “If anyone asks, how is someone born of water, I ask in return, how is someone born from the earth? How was the clay separated into different parts? How were all different kinds of things, like bones, sinews, arteries, veins, and so on made from one kind […]