General Introduction 17 and in filial adoption.16 For Baptism, as is proclaimed in the prayers for the blessing of water, is the washing of regeneration17 of the children of God and of birth from on high. The invocation of the Most Holy Trinity over those who are to be baptized has the effect that, signed with this name, they are consecrated to the Trinity and enter into fellowship with the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. This is the high point for which the biblical readings, the prayer of the community, and the threefold profession of faith prepare, and to which they lead. 6. Baptism, far superior to the purifications of the Old Law, produces these effects by virtue of the mystery of the Lord’s Passion and Resurrection. Those who are baptized are united with Christ in a death like his, are buried with him in death,18 and also in him are given life and are raised up.19 For in Baptism nothing other than the Paschal Mystery is recalled and accomplished, because in it human beings pass from the death of sin into life. Therefore, the joy of the resurrection should shine forth in the celebration of Baptism, especially when it takes place during the Easter Vigil or on a Sunday. II Duties and Ministries in the Celebration of Baptism 7. Preparation for Baptism and Christian instruction are of the highest concern for the People of God, that is, for the Church, which hands on and nourishes the faith received from the Apostles. Through the ministry of the Church, adults are called to the Gospel by the Holy Spirit and infants are baptized and brought up in her faith. Therefore, it is very important that, in the preparation for Baptism, catechists and other laypersons should work with Priests and Deacons. Furthermore, in the celebration of Baptism, the People of God—represented not only by godparents, parents, and relatives, but also, insofar as possible, by friends, acquaintances, neighbors, and some members of the local Church—should take an active part, 16 Cf. Romans 8:15; Galatians 4:5. 17 Cf. Titus 3:5. 18 Cf. Romans 6:5, 4. 19 Cf. Ephesians 2:5-6.
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