The Blessings of Baptism

by Francis Hannafey SJ

When my former students began to ask me to celebrate the baptisms of their children I knew that I was getting on in years. These were always joy-filled celebrations. One baptism that I remember quite clearly took place in the chapel at Fairfield University in Connecticut. The baptism was for two identical twin baby girls. They both looked like radiant angels coming directly from heaven at the beginning of the ceremony. These twin newborns were sleeping during the early part of the ritual. The moment I poured the baptismal water onto the head of the child named Grace she opened her eyes and smiled in a way that would melt a heart of stone. She was beaming in light and peace. A beautiful moment I thought to myself—this seems easy enough. But things changed quickly. When I poured the cleansing baptismal water on the forehead of her twin sister Catherine this tiny child let out the loudest and most startling scream that I have ever heard from so small a child. At that moment, I knew that baptism was serious business for all the baptized, for parents, for the church, and for Christian faith. This beautiful child yelled and fought way beyond her weight this strange invasion of water. I found myself saying to the parents, godparents, and those gathered around the font that young Catherine must intuitively already know how demanding the Christian life can be when one takes it seriously. Catherine’s parents seemed relieved that I spoke up during this tender moment of the ritual. They clearly already knew well this child’s voice when she was not happy. At that moment my admiration and respect for Christian parents increased even more as we continued with the baptism.

The sacrament of baptism has a long and rich history. The word “baptism” comes from the Greek bapto which means “to dip” or immerse.” In the first century ritual washings were fairly common religious practices. It is likely that early Christian baptism practices were influenced by ancient Jewish purification rituals. The evidence also suggests that the early Christian churches likely practiced baptism by immersion (Romans 6:1) from the earliest days. The Acts of the Apostles in the New Testament recounts stories of the disciple St. Peter when preaching as he states: “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:38). It is clear that the baptism ritual can be traced back to the very earliest days of Christian practice. Not surprisingly, there are many questions about the specific celebrations of baptisms in the early church. The practices themselves and theological meanings have developed notably in history.

The New Testament Scriptures do not give us a precise description of how Baptism celebrations were actually carried out by early Christians. But we can identify some important early patterns in the ritual. In St. Paul’s writings it is evident that the early church celebrated adult baptism by immersion (Romans 6:1), there was some kind of special garment to signify new life with Christ (Gal. 3:27), and there was an anointing with oil (Eph. 1:13 f.) As time went by and as the church continued to grow this rite of initiation (along with a developed catechumenate) began to emerge. Those receiving baptism would be given instruction and preparation prior to the celebration of the ritual. It is important to note that evidence seems clear that adult baptism was the standard practice in the early church.

Scholars and historians have observed that St. Augustine’s influential writings on original sin in the 4^th and 5^th centuries led church practice more and more away from adult baptism to a focus on the baptism of infants. This transition was likely an effort to address a key problem—that of universal human sin. By the time of the Middle Ages infant baptism became the universal practice in the church. While this practice was questioned during the 16^th century and during the Reformation period, the Council of Trent (1545-1563) restated the importance of infant baptism. The Second Vatican Council (1963-1965) required the development of a baptism ritual for children and restored the catechumenate for adults and made revisions to rituals for the baptism of adults.

What are some of the most essential meanings of baptism? As a rite of initiation most fundamental is the idea that through baptism we enter into new life with the Risen Christ. That is, there is a dying to sin and a rising to new life with Christ. The actual words of the rite of baptism make these ideas very clear. Baptism incorporates one into life with Christ and into formal membership in the community of the church. Baptism is one of the three sacraments of initiation (the other two are Eucharist and confirmation). The Catechism of the Catholic Church describes baptism as “the basis of the whole Christian life, the gateway to life in the spirit, and the door which gives access to the other sacraments” (Catechism, 1213). In other words, baptism is the foundation and pathway toward all of the other Christian sacraments.

As a priest, I personally find it a great privilege to celebrate baptisms. Over the years I have observed and experienced how wonderful and powerful are the ritual symbols part of a baptism celebration. These include the water, anointing with sacred chrism (perfumed oil consecrated by the Bishop), a white garment, and a lighted candle. Importantly, the proclamation of God’s word in Scripture, the blessings of the water of the baptismal font, and the blessing of the baptized and their families and friends present can be deeply significant and emotionally moving parts of the ritual.

Since arriving to Old St. Joseph, I have become directly involved with baptisms here in the parish. One of my responsibilities is to coordinate and guide our celebrations of the sacrament here. It has become very clear to me that members of the parish deeply desire baptism for their children. This is most gratifying and consoling to see. While the parish was closed for months during the COVID-19 pandemic, all baptisms were on hold until the church could safely reopen. Since only recently resuming with baptism celebrations we follow careful social distancing and other protocols. Families continue to frequently contact us to make baptism arrangements for their children. In working with these families, I continue to see how important are the individual and social dimensions of the practice. Baptism means a great deal for the individual child and also has an essential social dimension for families and for the wider OSJ community.

Baptisms continue to be very joyful celebrations at OSJ—especially during these challenging days of the pandemic. There is much hope for the future and promise abounding in these happy celebrations. One question we are trying to deal with now is how to make the celebrations more communal in structure and practice. That is, how do we more effectively involve the participation of the entire community while carefully addressing safety needs along with responding to the wishes and preferences of individual families? This remains a challenging set of questions for us.

I always like to say to the parents and godparents and other guests present that a baptism always involves the intersection of a number of important stories. These include the life story of the person baptized—most often a child—and the story of the community that this person is entering through baptism. The story of the life of Jesus is also of course central to the baptism drama. These unique stories ultimately become one in the celebration of a baptism and most of all in the living of the Christian faith. All of this is important and represents the present and the future life of a vibrant Christian community. The Lord’s own story and life continue to guide us in these wonderful and joyful celebrations here at OSJ. It is a joy personally to be part of these graced celebrations.