Download The Sacrament of Baptism

The Sacrament of Baptism
What is Baptism? Baptism is the first of the Seven Sacraments of the Catholic Church.
We believe that it is a sign of grace instituted by Christ that was given to us, the Church. In
simplest form, after a profession of faith, it is the pouring of water (or immersing in water)
over or around the individual to be baptized while pronouncing the words I Baptize you in
the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. The person being baptized then
responds Amen. Just as Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist in the Jordan River to
mark the beginning of His ministry, Christians are also baptized to mark the beginning of
their lives as members of the Body of Christ. In the Catholic faith, this is traditionally done
within days of a baby s birth. In this instance, the Church calls on a Sponsor or Godparent to speak on behalf of the baptized.
Why is Baptism so Important to Catholics? The Catholic Church teaches that Baptism
is the basis of the whole Christian life, the gateway to life in the Spirit and the door which
gives access to the other sacraments. Through Baptism we are freed from sin and reborn
as sons of God and are incorporated into the Church and made sharers in her mission:
Baptism is the sacrament of regeneration through water in the word.
We believe that,
through the unique graces imparted in this sacrament, in the waters of Baptism, the original
sin we all inherited from Adam and Eve is washed away. When we are baptized as
Christians, we are reborn into the freedom of God the Father and become members of the
mystical Body of Christ.
Who must be Baptized? It is important to note that the Catholic Church does not require
anyone who has already been validly baptized in another Christian denomination to be
baptized again as a part of the RCIA process. Anyone of catechetical age seeking to
complete their initiation in full communion with the Catholic Church, who has already been
baptized in another Christian tradition, is known as a Candidate. They only need to
complete preparation and participation in the other Sacraments of Initiation of the Church.
People who have never been baptized and are seeking full union with the Catholic Church
are first known as Catechumens in the RCIA process.
How Does Baptism Change Us? In addition to removing the stain of sin from our soul, we
believe that in Baptism, God bestows on us supernatural grace, gifts and virtues. By being
baptized, we also inherit His promise for salvation that comes through our faith in Jesus
Christ and a life dedicated to His will. Baptism is the first and most critical step to take in
coming into full communion with the Catholic Church.
What are the signs and symbols of Baptism? - Catholic Baptism is marked by specific
signs and symbols that have a particular meaning for us. These signs and symbols are:
Water signifying the sanctifying washing away of sin and the fostering of the birth of a new
life in Christ; Oil of Baptism which is rubbed on the chest to give us strength; Oil of
Chrism, (also used at Confirmation) which is rubbed on the crown or forehead signifying
that we are sealed with the gifts of the Holy Spirit; the Sign of the Cross is the mark of
Christians signifying the grace of the redemption Christ won for us on the cross; the
Baptismal Candle reminds us that the light of Christ has entered our lives and the flame
symbolizes the flame of faith which should burn throughout our lives. The White Garment
signifies that the newly baptized has put on Christ and has risen with Christ. The
Baptismal Certificate is the Church s official record of the receipt of the Sacrament.
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