The Sacrament of Baptism

The Catholic sacrament of baptism is the subject of this instructional film that is intended for adults, parents of newborns, and godparents. The program is structured in the form of a mini-catechism, with printed questions about the sacrament—unfortunately accompanied by some jangly synthesizer music—followed by responses, primarily from Father Thomas J. Scirghi (a Jesuit on the theological faculty of Fordham University in New York), as well as occasional contributions from laypeople and printed quotations taken from addresses by Pope Benedict XVI. The tone is conversational and pastoral rather than scholarly, with Scirghi alluding to relevant scriptural passages and the teachings of church fathers, while discussing—in fairly simple terms—the historical development of the ritual. More emphasis is placed on practical points about how baptism represents an introduction into a community of believers, along with details about how both parents and godparents take on specific tasks and responsibilities (footage from a ceremony is used to illustrate points). DVD extras include a featurette defining “sacrament.” Recommended. Aud: P. (F. Swietek)