The Rediscovery of Baptism and its Celebration in the New Ecclesial Communities

Abstract

This article concerns problems connected with baptism in the Holy Spirit and its celebration in ecclesial communities. The gift of baptism in the Holy Spirit can not be understood as a spiritual supplement of baptism, because  in the sacrament itself the Christian has already received the Spirit. Baptism in the Holy Spirit is in fact a revival of faith that formally or due to its lack becomes a living meeting with a  infinitely loving God. This applies to those who believe that by such touching were invited to a special mission (for example Jean Vanier), as well as to non-believers. The gift of baptism in the Holy Spirit is celebrated mostly in small communities, which, through catechesis, prayers and witness help the person fully open up to the Spirit. In contrast to the Pentecostalism Catholic Church believes that speaking in tongues is not a necessary condition for confirming the Baptism in the Holy Spirit (although this gift may occur) but the apparent change of life. This change is made in the human heart and is expressed in a deep desire of pray, participation in the Eucharist, the love of the Church, the desire of bringing people to Jesus (evangelism), faithfully fulfilling the duties, serenity and bound with one of ecclesia group. Those who have experienced this favour, stand at the beginning of different groups which serve the Church by particular charism, for example: The Ark, The Bread of Life, Emanuel.