Baptism is clearly stated as being important in the Catholic religion, but what does it mean? Baptism derived from the Greek word bapto or baptizo, which is to wash, dip, or immerse. "The Roman Catechism defines baptism thus: Baptism is the sacrament of regeneration by water in the work" (Catholic Encyclopedia). Catholics as well as many other Christians believe that when you are baptized you enter into the spirit of God, you are forgiven for your sins and become purified like water is pure.

Water is the matter that is most fit for baptism, it is seen as being pure, clean, and helps in was

An Ordinary Minister is first the bishop and second the priest. The bishop is the first ordinary minister because he is considered the successor of the Apostles. Christ commanded his Apostles to go and teach the nations and baptize them. Since the bishops are the successors to Christ's Apostles, it is the bishop's job to see this through and carry it out. The priests are the second ordinary ministers because they are the administrators of the sacraments. "The ministers of this Sacrament is the priest, to whom it belongs to administer baptism by reason of his office" (Catholic Encyclopedia). If it is necessary an Extraordinary Minster can also administer baptism. An Extraordinary Minister "is any person whatsoever who observes the essential conditions, whether this person be a Catholic layman or any other man or woman, heretic or schismatic, infidel or Jew" (Catholic Encyclopedia). Baptism is lawful and correct by either of these ministers as long as the act, matter, an!

- Baptism of Desire and Baptism of Blood

hing. It is believed that when one is baptized with water, the water washes away sin and makes one pure and right with God. " It is faith that true and natural water is the remote matter of baptism" (New Catholic Encyclopedia). The remote matter of baptism can me used whether it is water from the sea, a fountain, lake, stream, or marsh. It can be hot, cold, fresh, or salty. Water that is in the form of rain, melted snow, ice, or hail is also considered valid to baptize with. The question is if water could not be obtained would invalid matter work in its place?

It is clearly stated that in the Roman Catholic Church, baptism is very important and necessary for eternal life. Ordinary ministers and extraordinary ministers perform baptism with water in an act, matter, and form. Baptism can also be valid by faith, commitment, devotion, and confession to Christ. Because of baptism's importance, it remains the first among the seven sacraments.

d form are used as well. The only other way a person may be baptized is by baptism of desire or baptism of blood.

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