GROW IN FAITH 29 – Baptism

New Life in Christ

Opening Prayer

Lord God,
You call us to new life in Christ.
Help us understand the gift of Baptism.
Teach us to live as Your children
each day.
Amen.

Part One

A New Beginning

Every life has a beginning.

For Christians,
that beginning is Baptism.

Jesus said:

“Unless a man be born again of water and the Holy Ghost,
he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.”

Baptism is not only a symbol.

It truly changes us.

Through water and the Holy Spirit:

Sin is washed away.
We become children of God.
We become members of the Church.
We receive sanctifying grace.

It is a new birth.

Just as natural birth begins earthly life,
Baptism begins supernatural life.

Scripture

“Unless a man be born again of water and the Holy Ghost,
he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.”
(John 3:5)

Think and Discuss

Why do you think water is used in Baptism?

What does it mean to be “born again”?

Why is Baptism the beginning of Christian life?

If you were baptised as a baby,
how can you live that gift now?

Allow thoughtful answers.

Part Two

What Happens in Baptism

In Baptism,
water is poured
and the words are spoken:

“I baptise thee in the name of the Father,
and of the Son,
and of the Holy Ghost.”

At that moment:

Original sin is forgiven.
All personal sin is forgiven.
Grace enters the soul.

The person is marked with a spiritual seal.

This mark can never be erased.

Even if someone later turns away,
the mark of Baptism remains.

That is why Baptism is received only once.

It makes us belong to Christ forever.

Guidance for Adults

Help children see Baptism as a living reality, not only a past event.
Connect it to daily life — prayer, grace, belonging.

Part Three

Living Our Baptism

Many people are baptised as infants.

They do not remember the moment.

But the grace remains.

To live our Baptism means:

Praying regularly.
Turning away from sin.
Belonging to the Church.
Receiving the sacraments.

When we make the Sign of the Cross,
we remember our Baptism.

When we use holy water,
we recall that we were washed clean.

Baptism is not only a ceremony.

It is a calling.

It calls us to live as sons and daughters of God.

Those who are preparing for Baptism
are preparing for a great gift.

Those who are already baptised
are called to live faithfully
what they have received.

Baptism is the doorway
to the whole Christian life.

Quiet Reflection

Sit quietly for a moment.

If you are baptised,
thank God for that gift.

If you are preparing for Baptism,
ask God to ready your heart.

Now say quietly:

“Lord, help me live as Your child.”

Remain in silence together.

Practise This Week

Choose one:

• Make the Sign of the Cross slowly and thoughtfully each day.
• Notice holy water and remember your Baptism.
• Thank God for the day you were baptised.
• Pray for someone preparing for Baptism.

Choose one and keep it steady.

Optional Response

Choose one:

Memory
Repeat slowly:
“Born again of water and the Holy Ghost.”
Say it three times thoughtfully.

Action
Make the Sign of the Cross carefully and say:
“I belong to Christ.”

Closing Prayer

Lord,
Thank You for the gift of Baptism.
Help us live as Your children.
Keep us faithful to the grace we have received.
Amen.