Baptism

Baptism is the first sacrament, freeing us from original and personal sin and giving us new life in Christ. Through water and the words, "in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit," we become adopted children of God, members of Christ's Body, the Church, and temples of the Holy Spirit. Baptism is usually celebrated for infants, while unbaptized adults enter the Church through the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults at the Easter Vigil. Because Baptism leaves an indelible spiritual mark, it is received only once.

The sacrament of baptism ushers us into the divine life, cleanses us from sin, and initiates us as members of the Christian community.

It is the foundation for the sacramental life.

At baptism, the presider prays over the water: Father, look now with love upon your Church, and unseal for her the fountain of baptism.

By the power of the Holy Spirit give to this water the grace of your Son, so that in the sacrament of baptism all those whom you have created in your likeness may be cleansed from sin and rise to a new birth of innocence by water and the Holy Spirit.

(Christian Initiation of Adults, #222A)

While in ordinary circumstances, sacraments in the Catholic Church are administered validly by a member of the ordained clergy, in an emergency situation, the sacrament of baptism can be administered by anyone.

In case of necessity, any person can baptize provided that he have the intention of doing that which the Church does and provided that he pour water on the candidates head while saying: “I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit"

(CCC 1284).

Baptismal Symbols

• Water – The waters of baptism recall Jesus’ own baptism by John the Baptist in the river Jordan. Water is a symbol of cleansing and renewal as we begin a new life in Christ. We are washed clean of sin.
• Oil – At baptism we are anointed into the life of Christ as “priest, prophet and king.” A cross is traced on the candidate’s forehead as a reminder that we are inheritors of the Kingdom of God.
• Light – The baptismal candle is lit from the Paschal or Easter candle that stands in the church as a sign of Christ’s light in the world. At baptism, we receive the light of Christ and are called forth to share this light with the world.
• White garment – The white garment that is placed upon us at baptism is a symbol of Christ’s victory over death and his glorious resurrection. Likewise, the white garment or pall that is placed over the coffin at the time of death recalls our baptismal promises and reminds us that we are destined for eternal life.