Sacrament of Baptism: Gian's Christening Day

December 18, 2011

Another milestone for the family.

We couldn't contain our excitement for Gian's second big day. His birth being the first.

 It is the 4th Sunday of Advent and our precious lil' one is going to receive the Sacrament of Baptism and share our faith.

We bought him a little gift to remind him of this special day when he grows up.

*Chrism is a perfumed olive oil consecrated by the bishop during Holy Week. This oil is used to anoint the crown of the head of the person being baptized. In baptism, the sign of the cross on the forehead reminds us that Jesus died for us.

Hubby was assigned by Deacon Clement to read the first reading.

*Water is a symbol of being raised to new life, starting afresh with Jesus.

Welcome to the Christian world, baby Gian! *The white garment is an outward sign of our Christian dignity.

*The final symbol in baptism is the giving of a lighted candle.

We are all so happy for you!

May you grow to be a God-fearing child.

And may God continue to bless our family with abundant graces.

A simple token of appreciation for the Godparents and guests given personally by Ate Kyla.

Thank you, Dear God for another meaningful and memorable page in the book of our family life. :)

Special thanks to Dr Peter Flores, our impromptu official photographer.

FYI: The Sacrament of Baptism is often called "The door of the Church," because it is the first of the seven sacraments not only in time (since most Catholics receive it as infants) but in priority, since the reception of the other sacraments depends on it. It is the first of the three Sacraments of Initiation, the other two being the Sacrament of Confirmation and the Sacrament of Holy Communion. Once baptized, a person becomes a member of the Church.

Baptism has six primary effects, which are all supernatural graces:

The removal of the guilt of both Original Sin (the sin imparted to all mankind by the Fall of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden) and personal sin (the sins that we have committed ourselves).
The remission of all punishment that we owe because of sin, both temporal (in this world and in Purgatory) and eternal (the punishment that we would suffer in hell).
The infusion of grace in the form of sanctifying grace (the life of God within us); the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit; and the three theological virtues.
Becoming a part of Christ.
Becoming a part of the Church, which is the Mystical Body of Christ on earth.
Enabling participation in the sacraments, the priesthood of all believers, and the growth in grace.
~ SOURCE