Our Baptismal Promises
From the Desk of Father David
Dear Friends in Christ,
As we celebrate the Baptism of the Lord Jesus, we are called to remember our own baptism. At our baptism, God made us His beloved daughter or son and washed us in the blood of His Son. We promised to reject Satan, all forms of evil and cling to the Holy Trinity and the Church. If we weren’t old enough our parents made the promises for us. These promises are the foundation of our faith and that is why we renew them every year at Easter and on special occasions. If all Catholics would live their Baptismal Promises not only would the Church find new life but the transformation of communities we live in would take place. I have included them here for you to reflect upon them and recommit yourself to following them.
Do you renounce Satan? I do.
And all his works? I do.
And all his empty show? I do.
OR:
Do you renounce sin, so as to live in the freedom of the children of God? I do.
Do you renounce the lure of evil, so that sin may have no mastery over you? I do.
Do you renounce Satan, the author and prince of sin? I do.
Do you believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth? I do.
Do you believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was born of the Virgin Mary, suffered death and was buried, rose again from the dead and is seated at the right hand of the Father? I do.
Do you believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting? I do.
And may almighty God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has given us new birth by water and the Holy Spirit and bestowed on us forgiveness of our sins, keep us by his grace, in Christ Jesus our Lord, for eternal life. Amen
May Almighty God give us the grace to live our baptismal promises so that we can find ourselves renewed by the power of His love and be a bright light leading others to Jesus.
In Christmas peace and joy,
Fr. David Bellittiere
