How is the "baptism in the Holy Spirit" (promoted through CHARIS) connected with the Sacrament of Baptism?

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Accepted answer

The 3 resources below explain the Catholic understanding and the connection between "baptism in the Holy Spirit" and the Sacrament of Baptism:

  1. Baptism In The Holy Spirit: Why Every Catholic Should Consider Receiving It: a CatholicLink website article by Deacon Brenton Cordeiro, training to be a priest for the Companions of the Cross.
  2. Baptism in the Holy Spirit: a 2017 Crossroads Initiative website article by Raniero Cantalamessa, O.F.M. Cap., a cardinal and preacher to the Papal Household.
  3. A New Pentecost? Catholic Theology and "Baptism in the Spirit": a 2011 Logos journal article by Dr. Ralph Martin, "expert" for the World Synod of Bishops on the New Evangelization, discussing 3 interpretations of "Baptism in the Spirit".

I structure the answer in the form of Q & A by quoting from the above resources:

  • Q: Is Baptism in the Holy Spirit a sacrament?
    A: No, it is not a sacrament but is believed to be related to the sacraments of Christian initiation, primarily of baptism and confirmation [Martin 21]. It makes real and in a way renews Christian initiation [Cantalamessa].

  • Q: Haven't baptized Catholics already received the Holy Spirit?
    A: Yes. Baptism in the Holy Spirit doesn't oppose or dilute any Catholic teaching on the sacraments. There is no dispute about the effects of receiving the sacrament of Baptism, in particular the forgiveness of sins, the conferring of divine sonship, and becoming a member of the Body of Christ and a temple of the Holy Spirit. [Cordeiro]

  • Q: What does it do in addition to the Sacrament of Baptism?
    A: The spiritual realities mentioned above in Baptism become "unbound" through a baptism in the Holy Spirit, allowing the Holy Spirit to burst forth and flow throughout our day-to-day lives bring us to a new awareness of the reality and presence of Jesus Christ in our lives [Cordeiro].

  • Q: What effects can we expect following Baptism in the Holy Spirit?
    A: A new hunger & desire for the Word of God, the Sacraments, and holiness. It fosters the desire to witness to our faith and to testify about the way the Lord is changing our lives (New Evangelization) [Cordeiro].

  • Q: Once baptized in the Holy Spirit do Catholics expect receiving "speaking in tongue" gift as a sign, usual in the Pentecostal denomination?
    A: No one gift is usually singled out being the necessary sign of baptism in the Spirit [Martin 22].

  • Q: What is the Scriptural basis for this baptism?
    A: [Martin 22]:

    • Acts 4 : The prospect of a "renewal" of the receiving of the Spirit or a "stirring up" of a gift once given but since "gone quiet" in which the persecuted companions of Peter and John pray for and receive new power for evangelization.
    • 2 Tim 1:6 : Paul urges Timothy to "stir into flame the gift of God that you have"
  • Q: Any evidence from church history?
    A: [Martin 22]:

    Montague and McDonnell support their thesis by a review of the available evidence from the first eight centuries of the Church, which evidence they argue shows that the sacraments of Christian initiation were often characterized by an experiential dimension and manifestations of the charismatic gifts of the Spirit.ΒΉΒ²

  • Q: Any relevant paragraphs in the Catechism?
    A: CCC 1128: "From the moment that a sacrament is celebrated in accordance with the intention of the Church, the power of Christ and his Spirit acts in and through it, independently of the personal holiness of the minister. Nevertheless, the fruits of the sacraments also depend on the disposition of the one who receives them" [Martin 28]

  • Q: Any relevant paragraphs in the Summa?
    A: Quote from [Martin 28]:

    One of the most remarkable treatments of the relevance of the disposition of the recipients in terms of what is actually experienced, effective, or fruitful in the life of the person receiving the sacrament is actually that of Aquinas in the Summa theologiae, especially in the Tertia pars, (III, qq. 66–71). In these questions, Aquinas details very clearly the obstacles that block the fruitfulness of the sacraments, even when they are validly conferred: lack of faith, understanding, desire to live a new life, or repentance, or the omitting of the exorcisms and allowing demonic influence to block response to baptismal grace. He clearly states that on a given day a number of people may validly receive baptism or confirmation but the fruitfulness of the sacrament may vary considerably; those who want more of the Lord, he teaches, will receive more of the Lord.

  • Q: How is this baptism in the Holy Spirit administered?
    A: It is God who chooses to act. We can prepare through several ways, such as through a mini catechesis that includes teaching, prayer and the invitation to faith, repentance and a deeper commitment to the Lord Jesus, and a greater desire for the activation of his gift of the Spirit [Martin 28-29].

  • Q: Are all baptized Catholic encouraged to receive it?
    A: Deacon Cordeiro encourage anyone to seek it wholeheartedly to accept the grace that baptism in the Spirit offers us. It can recharge our spiritual batteries.

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