What is so Special About the Sacrament of Baptism?

The Sacrament of Baptism is the principal sacramental means by which one is forgiven of their sins and is reborn toward a new life. If one were to mark "milestones" of the life of a Christian, Baptism would be the first marker. It begins the journey that will continue one's whole life. It is for this reason that Baptism is performed on infants, because, from the beginning, of their life, they are to be raised according to the Faith.

Baptism is not a novel idea. In fact, ritual washings have been performed for centuries. The significance for the Christian is wrapped up in Christ's passion, death, burial, and resurrection. In Baptism, we are "buried with Christ" in order that we, through faith in Him, might be "raised with Him" in eternity. Baptism is that initiation. It is that rite that unifies us with Christ and fixes our hope in Him for our eternal life in Heaven. Baptism, however, is no guarantee of Heaven.

If you look in your Old Testament, you will see that thousands upon thousands were part of the "chosen people" of God. They entered into this relationship through the sacramental sign of circumcision. However, this circumcision was no guarantee that they would remain in the covenant relationship with God, nor was it a guarantee that they would enter the Promised Land. Rather, their continual action (or lack thereof) toward God determined their fate. Many who were circumscised did not enter that land because they walked away from God. In the same way, those baptized who choose not to continue in their relationship with God, have no guarantee that they will see Heaven because they are separating themselves from Him. As it was said before, Baptism is the beginning, not the end, of the Christian life. We do well to always commit ourselves and place our trust in the Lord Jesus Christ. Sacramentals such as Holy Water help us remember our baptism, so it's also a good idea to keep some around and to make use of the fonts at the entrances to our local parishes.

So how does one receive Baptism? Often it will depend on your location and your state in life. There are rites for Baptism that differ slightly according to the age of the one being baptized, whether an infant or an adult. While infant baptisms occur throughout the year, adult baptisms are normally observed at the Easter Vigil Mass. The one being baptized will be given a white garment in which they will be baptized. He/she will receive special anointing with oil and prayers and blessings will be said. The portion of the sacrament involving the water is normally accomplished by pouring of water over the person's head "in the name of the Father and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit." This method of pouring goes back to the first century. It is also acceptable to immerse the baptized into the waters, if logistics permit.

What is the result? Now that one is baptized, his/her slate is "wiped clean". Even the stain of original sin has been washed away by the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. Also, an permanent spiritual mark has been placed on the heart of the baptized. Therefore there is never a need to be re-baptized, only to recommit ones self unto Jesus through continued participation in the life of the Church, most especially through the Sacraments of the Eucharist and Reconciliation. In Baptism we have been given new life in Christ, as well as the virtues of faith, hope, and charity. We continue to grow in these virtues and are strengthened by them day by day.