The Liturgy Course: Adoring the Cross

Parents of a newborn sometimes discover that their child, tragically, may not live long enough to be brough to church for Baptism. In the sadness of this moment, the Church longs to comfort parents by keeping Baptism as close as a cup of water.

At the start of a Baptism, parents hear two questions. The first is, "What name do you give your child?" (Order of Baptism for Children, 37).

Everyone baptized into the Church receives a godparent. Godparents assist the baptized "to lead a Christian life in harmony with Baptism and to fulfill faithfully the obligations connected with it" (Code of Canon Law, 872).

Baptism in the Catholic Church may be administered by immersion or pouring. The two options are always listed in that order, indicating a preference for Baptism by immersion, even though pouring is more commonly practiced.

Easter Bonnets and other finery perk us all up for the feast, but the most significant article of clothing in Easter Time is the white garment worn by the newly baptized.

Newly baptized persons each receive a lighted candle. The candle signifies that they have been enlightened by Christ and are to walk in His light until they meet Him in Heaven.

The Minister who baptizes someone calls the person by name and says these words: "N. I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit."

Chrism is the most special of all the oils used for Catholic sacraments and rituals. Traditionally, it is olive oil enhanced with balsam, a perfume.

On Easter Sunday, we celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus from the dead. On this day, the disciples saw the empty tomb, and the Risen Christ began to appear to them.