The Sacrament of Baptism

Baptism is the means by which we enter into the Christian life. It is the "door", so to speak, to your relationship with Christ. If one were marking milestones of the Christian journey, Baptism would be the first. Why is it that Baptism is so important? How does one receive it properly? What are its effects?

What is so significant about Baptism? We know that it is the primary sacrament of initiation into the Christian life, but why? To start, let's first define our terms. The word "baptize" is a Greek word and means to dip or wash. It was used not only as a term for religious washings but also for practical applications such as the dying of cloth. Baptism is prefigured in the Old Testament and fulfilled in the New Testament through Jesus Christ (CCC 1217-1222). For Christians, this term came to mean a washing of sins from the heart, a work accomplished by the Holy Spirit through the Church by a ritual immersion or pouring (1 Peter 3:21, Titus 3:5). Being plunged into the water signifies our death to sin, removing it from our lives, and then rising from the water signifies our rising to a new life in Christ. By identifying ourselves with the passion and death of the Lord, we will also be united with Him in His resurrection. Now freed from our previous slavery to sin, we continue to choose to live in the light of God's grace and pursue righteousness (Romans 6).

What does a Christian Baptism look like? There are some variations, depending on the particular circumstances involved, but for the purpose of this explanation, the most common portions will be explained. The sacrament always involves the reading of the Scriptures, an acceptance of the Gospel, the profession of Faith, the Baptism with water, the gift of the Holy Spirit, and preparation to receive the Eucharist. Infants who are baptized go through these elements a bit differently than adults, but the same things do occur. Some of the elements occur first at the baptism rite and then also in the rite of Confirmation, in which the gifts of the Holy Spirit are strengthened in the life of the Confirmandi. Adults normally are admitted to the Church through the RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults). Let's look at the Baptism rite.

The rite begins with the sign of the Cross. Then the Scriptures are read and a response of faith is given. The priest pronounces prayers of exorcism and anoints with oil the one being baptized. The water is blessed and the minister then performs the baptism proper. This is done either by pouring or immersing while saying "[name], I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit." There is another anointing with perfumed oil (chrism), which signifies the gift of the Holy Spirit. Then the baptized is given a white garment (often infants are wearing white garments already), symbolizing that they have been clothed with Christ. A baptismal candle, lit from the Pascal Candle is given to the baptized (or his/her parents in the case of an infant baptism), symbolizing the light of Christ. The rite concludes with a final blessing and the sign of the Cross.

Because of Jesus Christ, baptism brings forgiveness of sins, both original and personal. It frees us not only from the stain of sin on our hearts but also from the eternal punishment for sin, which is death (Romans 6:23). It brings us into a new life in Jesus Christ and we begin our relationship with Him. Having been baptized, the Christian is a temple of the Holy Spirit, and should strive to pursue holiness; making use of the various means God has provided to grow spiritually such as the Mass and the Sacred Scriptures. Now part of the Body of Christ, the Church, the baptized is part of a universal family, not only on Earth, but also in Heaven. This family, united in Christ, will support and encourage this new child of God. By receiving the gifts of the Holy Spirit, the new Christian should continue to grow in the Faith, constantly relying on the Grace of God as he/she does so. By living a life of faith in Jesus Christ, the baptized has hope for the future and strength for the present.

For more detailed information on Christian baptism, consult the Catechism of the Catholic Church, paragraphs 1213-1284.