SAKRAMENT CHRZTU W ŚWIETLE UCHWAŁ SYNODU DIECEZJI RZESZOWSKIEJ
THE SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM IN THE LIGHT OF THE RESOLUTIONS OF THE SYNOD OF THE DIOCESE OF RZESZÓW

Summary/Abstract: A diocesan synod should be convened when deemed necessary by the diocesan bishop. In the Diocese of Rzeszów, which was set up in 1992 by Pope John Paul II, the synod was announced on November 21, 1998. The first session of the Synod of the Diocese of Rzeszów took place on March 24, 1999 and the solemn closure meeting on November 20, 2004. In a decree issued on that day, Kazimierz Górny, the Bishop of the Diocese of Rzeszów, approved the resolutions and announced them as the diocesan particular law. The resolutions of the synod became effective on January 19, 2005. The following article presents the rules of the particular law in regard to celebrating the sacrament of baptism, which is the “gate” to other sacraments, in the parishes of the Diocese of Rzeszów. The Church, which safeguards the deposit of sacraments, has the right to formulate the rules of their valid and respectful celebration. The author of this article discusses matters related to the baptism of children as well as adults. The article presents aspects related to the minister of the sacrament, parents and godparents, as well as the time and place of the celebration of baptism. It also refers to the “Instruction on celebrating the sacrament of baptism” which includes a lot of practical advice and pastoral suggestions for the ministers in order for the celebration of this sacrament to have influence on the formation of the religious life of the child’s parents, godparents and other related people. Following the common law norms, the Synod of the Diocese of Rzeszów highlights that priests should often remind their believers, both in the church and during the catechesis, about the meaning of this sacrament. It is necessary for salvation; through it the human being is freed from their sins and thus receives the dignity of the Child of God, becomes similar to Christ and gets included into the Catholic Church community. Priests should faithfully observe the liturgical regulations which set forth the way in which baptism should be celebrated, and respectfully treat other canonical norms. They are responsible for the correct documentation of this celebration by making a mandatory note in the parish book of the baptized.

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