Baptism

This sacrament is primarily called Baptism because of the central rite with which it is celebrated. To baptize means to "immerse" in water. The one who is baptized is immersed into the death of Christ and rises with him as a "new creature" (2 Corinthians 5:17).

The sacrament is also called "the bath of regeneration and renewal in the Holy Spirit" (Titus 3:5) and "enlightenment" because the baptized becomes "a son of light" (Ephesians 5:8).

From the day of Pentecost, the Church has administered Baptism to anyone who believes in Jesus Christ.

The essential rite of this sacrament consists in immersing the candidate in water or pouring water over his or her head while invoking the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.

Every person not yet baptized is able to receive Baptism.

The Church baptizes infants because they are born with original sin. They need to be freed from the power of the Evil One and brought into that realm of freedom which belongs to the children of God.

Everyone who is to be baptized is required to make a profession of faith. This is done personally in the case of an adult or by the parents and by the Church in the case of infants.

Additionally, godparents and the entire ecclesial community share responsibility for baptismal preparation (catechumenate) and development of the faith and grace given at baptism.

Baptism takes away original sin, all personal sins and all punishment due to sin. It makes the baptized person a participant in the divine life of the Trinity through sanctifying grace, the grace of justification which incorporates one into Christ and into his Church.

The sacrament grants a share in Christ's priesthood, provides communion with all Christians, bestows theological virtues and gifts of the Holy Spirit, and marks the baptized with the indelible seal of Christ (character).