As Catholics, the Sacraments of our Faith are very important to us, not only in our prayer and spirituality, but above all in our salvation. The sacraments are the greatest and most powerful way in which God shares the gift of Divine Grace with us and helps us to become more like Christ. These sacred actions are not “magical moments” or “empty rituals.” The Church teaches us that the celebration of each sacrament is an encounter with the Risen Lord. Something supernatural and divine occurs with their celebration. In this week’s article, I would like for us to reflect upon the Sacrament of Baptism.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church states that “Holy Baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life, the gateway to life in the Spirit, and the door which gives access to the other sacraments” (CCC #1213). Baptism, as a Sacrament of Initiation, is the first sacrament we receive and thus enables us to receive and celebrate the other sacraments. What happens at Baptism? Actually, quite a lot.

A person who is baptized is freed from original sin and, if of the age of reason, is also freed from any personal sin he or she may have chosen to commit. The baptized person also becomes a child of God and is incorporated into the life of the Church. The baptized person is thus a temple and dwelling place of the Holy Spirit.

The elements used in this sacrament help us better understand what Baptism is all about. The most important and necessary element for this sacrament is water. What are the practical day-to-day uses of water? Normally, we use water to cleanse and purify, as well as to sustain life. Whenever we need to wash or cleanse something, water is an essential element. Water is also needed to sustain all life. Many areas in our diocese are currently experiencing a severe drought, so many prayers for much-needed rain for the land and crops are being sent “heavenward.” The anointing with holy oils in the celebration of Baptism emphasizes that we have been incorporated into the Mystical Body of Christ and now share in the prophetic, priestly, and kingly work of Christ. The white garment received in Baptism symbolizes our new life in Christ, that we have “put on Christ” and are clothed in His glory (the placing of the white pall/cloth on the casket of a deceased loved one at the Funeral Liturgy serves as a beautiful reminder of this action that takes place in Baptism). Receiving the baptismal candle is a visual reminder that we are now “children of the Light” and are to walk not only in the light of the Risen Savior, but to share that light.

There is more to Baptism than “meets the eye”. As we witness these sacred actions with our eyes, we know that something powerful and profound is happening before us. As with all of the sacraments, some type of preparation and formation is required for Baptism. In the case of an adult, he or she would participate in the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA). In the case of an infant, his or her parents, and oftentimes the godparents, are required to participate in some type of baptismal preparation session. It is the expectation of the Church that the parents and godparents are living and practicing their Catholic Faith. The promises that parents and godparents make at Baptism are on an equal par to the many other promises and commitments we make to God, and should not be taken lightly. Regarding infant baptism, the Code of Canon Law (#868) clearly reminds pastors and parents that it is necessary that there be a well-founded hope that the infant will be brought up in the Faith of the Church after Baptism. If such a hope is altogether lacking, the Baptism is to be delayed until there is some hope and certainty that the child will be supported and encouraged in living out the Faith. The one exception to this, of course, would be the danger of death.

Being a godparent is not merely an ‘honorary role.” It is the desire and intention of the Church that godparents take an active role throughout the entire spiritual life and faith formation of the child in addition to supporting and assisting the parents of the child in their role as “the first teachers of their child in the ways of faith.”

Baptism is our “spiritual rebirth” in Jesus Christ. It marks the beginning of our “journey of faith” and our walk with the Lord, a walk which is meant to lead us to eternal life. St. Paul uses the image of death and resurrection regarding Baptism, proclaiming that in the waters of Baptism, we die to our old life of sin and are buried with Christ, so that we may rise with Him to newness of life. The next time you have the opportunity to attend and participate in the celebration of Baptism, listen closely to the prayers and instructions. Many of us probably do not remember the celebration of our Baptism, especially if we were infants at the time, but it was truly a moment of rejoicing and blessing for our parents and families, and especially for God Himself, as we became His children. For all who have been baptized, may we never forget the work Christ entrusted to us as we became a member of His Body. What was that work? To share His life, love, and truth with the world. By fully living out our baptismal call, may we pass on the gift of Faith to generations to come!

In addition to his position as diocesan Director of Worship, Fr. Dohogne serves as pastor of Sacred Heart Parish, Dexter, MO; St. Teresa Church, Glennonville; and St. Ann Church, in Malden.

“… They have devoted themselves to the service of the saints” –1 Cor 16:15

You will soon see some changes with our diocesan newspaper, The Mirror, as well as the makeup of the diocesan staff at The Catholic Center. After much reflection and input, it was determined that The Mirror would go from being a weekly to a bi-weekly publication. This is essentially the schedule we adopt during the summer months. Beginning this year, that schedule will continue year round.

This change made sense for several reasons. For one, it will allow for a more sensible utilization of our staff. The Office of The Mirror and Office of Communications Services will be merged. This new office will be known as the Office of Communications, Media, and Publications, and will be headed by Leslie Eidson. It will be responsible for not only the production of the newspaper, but also important communications tools such as our Web site as well as media relations. I am grateful to Leslie and those who assist her in her office, Glenn Eckl and Angie Toben, for taking on these new responsibilities with the same care and skill they currently exercise with the publication of The Mirror.

To this point, we have had both a diocesan Web site and a newspaper Web site (The Mirror Online, www.the-mirror.org). In the near future, there will be one Web site for the diocese. We will continue to use the two Web addresses to accommodate our users, but eventually both will direct the user to the same Web site. Because more people are seeking information from the Internet, we will be reconfiguring and enhancing our Web site and you should notice some of these changes over time.

Because the newspaper will be published with fewer issues, we intend to make those issues more substantial. While you will receive The Mirror less frequently, the issue you receive will typically be larger by about four pages. All of this will lead to some cost savings, which will allow us to keep the current subscription rate unchanged.

I wish to thank in a special way Recy Moore, who recently departed our staff to assume a new position with Missouri State University. Recy directed the Office of Communications Services with a special skill, grace, and kindness.

Planned Giving

Another change on our staff relates to the Office of Planned Giving. Maureen Jersak, who has been the director of that office, has taken a position on the staff of our Catholic Charities agency, Catholic Charities of Southern Missouri (CCSM). Maureen will assist with communications and development duties for our growing Catholic Charities.

Her responsibilities for planned giving for the diocese will be assumed by Gene Aug, who also serves as the diocesan director of the Office of Development and Properties. Gene also directs the annual Diocesan Development Fund (DDF). His significant experience with fundraising and development will serve him well as he takes on this added responsibility.

I wish to also thank Maureen in a special way for her kindness and competence in directing the Office of Planned Giving. I know she will bring the same skills to her new position with CCSM. I also am grateful to Gene. His talent, dedication, and love for the Church are assets that our diocese is fortunate to have.

Please keep these and all the members of our diocesan staff in your prayers as they seek to serve the faithful of the Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau.