TOPIC: WHY DO WE DO BAPTISM AT INFANT WHEN JESUS WAS BAPTISED AS A YOUTH?
Ans.: The practice of infant baptism in the Catholic tradition is rooted in her theological beliefs, historical practices and pastoral consideration. It is based on her understanding of the Sacramental nature of baptism, the need for spiritual regeneration, and the desire to welcome children into the faith community from an early age.
Some reasons for infant baptism in the Catholic Church include:
(a) Original Sin: By baptizing infants, Catholic believes the children’s original sins are washed away, they are initiated into the Christian faith and provided with the graces necessary for salvation.
(b) Sacramental Grace: Baptism is considered as a sacrament in the Catholic Church so, through it, infants who are baptized can receive sanctifying grace and are marked as belonging to Christ from their earliest stage.
(c) Tradition and Practices: Throughout history, the practices of infant baptism has been a common and longstanding tradition in the Catholic Church. It is seen as a way to ensure that children are raised, within the Christian faith from the earliest stage of life, fostering a sense of belonging to the church.
QUESTIONS FROM THE 8AM MASS
DOES PURGATORY EXIST?
Ans.: Yes, the Catholics belief that Purgatory exists. In Catholic belief, purgatory is a state or condition of purification for souls who have died in a state of grace but are not yet ready to enter heaven. The Catholic Church teaches that those in purgatory are undergoing a process of purification to be cleansed of any remaining imperfections or attachments to sin before entering into the fullness of God’s presence in heaven. The Catholic Church also teaches that the souls in purgatory can no longer pray for themselves but can benefit from the prayers and offerings of the living, because God is merciful.
While purgatory is not explicitly mentioned in the Bible, the concept is rooted in the Church’s tradition and understanding of God’s mercy and the need for purification before entering into the fullness of heaven.