The Sacrament of Baptism
The Beginning of the Christian Life
Holy Baptism is the foundation of the whole Christian life and the gateway to life in the Spirit. Through Baptism, we are freed from sin and reborn as children of God. We become members of Christ, are incorporated into the Church, and are called to share in her mission.
Baptism is the first of the three Sacraments of Initiation, together with Confirmation and the Eucharist. Through this sacrament, a person is welcomed into the life of the Church and begins a new life in Christ.
What Is Baptism?
Baptism is the sacrament of regeneration through water and the Word. It is the first sacrament received and the foundation upon which the Christian life is built.
Through Baptism, God gives us new life in Christ and welcomes us into His Church. The sacrament frees us from sin and makes us children of God.
For those baptized as adults, Baptism forgives all sins committed before Baptism. For infants and children, Baptism removes original sin and begins their life of grace within the Church.
Baptism also leaves a permanent spiritual mark upon the soul. Because of this, Baptism is received only once and cannot be repeated.
The Grace of Baptism
Through the Sacrament of Baptism, the baptized person:
- Is freed from sin.
- Is reborn as a child of God.
- Becomes a member of Christ and His Body, the Church.
- Receives sanctifying grace.
- Is welcomed into the communion of the Church.
- Is called to live as a disciple of Jesus Christ.
- Receives a permanent spiritual mark that cannot be repeated.
Baptism is God’s gift and the beginning of a lifelong journey of faith.
The Celebration of Baptism
The celebration of Baptism includes several important signs that express what God accomplishes through the sacrament.
Water
Water is the central sign of Baptism. The person being baptized is immersed in water or has water poured over them while the minister says:
“I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.”
Through the water and the Word, the person is reborn to new life in Christ.
The Sign of the Cross
The Sign of the Cross marks the person as belonging to Christ. At the beginning of the celebration, the minister welcomes the person into the Christian community and traces the Cross upon them.
Sacred Chrism
Following Baptism, the newly baptized is anointed with sacred chrism. This anointing signifies the gift of the Holy Spirit and the person’s incorporation into Christ.
White Garment
The white garment is a sign of the new life received through Baptism. It represents that the baptized person has become a new creation in Christ.
Baptismal Candle
The baptismal candle is lit from the Paschal Candle, representing Christ as the Light of the World. The candle reminds the newly baptized that they are called to live in the light of Christ.
Baptism of Infants and Children
The Church baptizes infants because Baptism is God’s gift and does not depend upon a person’s age or personal accomplishments. Through Baptism, children are welcomed into the family of the Church and receive the grace of new life in Christ.
When parents bring their child for Baptism, they make a commitment to raise that child in the Catholic faith. Parents are called to be the first teachers of their child’s faith and to help their child grow in a relationship with Christ.
This commitment includes:
- Bringing their child to Sunday Mass.
- Teaching their child to pray.
- Helping their child learn and live the Catholic faith.
- Supporting their child’s participation in the sacramental life of the Church.
- Guiding their child toward the other Sacraments of Initiation.
Baptism is both a celebration and a commitment. The parish community also has a role in supporting the newly baptized and their family as they grow in faith.
Godparents
Godparents have an important responsibility in the life of the baptized person. They assist the parents in helping the child grow in the Catholic faith and are called to be examples of Christian living.
A godparent should be prepared to support the child’s faith throughout life and take seriously the responsibility of helping the child remain connected to Christ and His Church.
The Church has specific requirements for those who serve as godparents. Families should speak with the parish office about these requirements when beginning the Baptism process.
Baptism for Adults
Adults who are seeking Baptism or who wish to become Catholic are invited to participate in the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA).
For information about Baptism for adults or becoming Catholic, please visit our OCIA page and contact Sally Mucka through the program.
Baptism and the Life of the Church
Baptism is the beginning of a lifelong relationship with Christ. Those who are baptized are called to continue growing in faith and to participate fully in the life of the Church.
The Christian life begun in Baptism continues through prayer, the celebration of the Eucharist, the reception of the other sacraments, and service to others.
Through Baptism, we are united with Christ and with one another as members of His Body, the Church. We are called to live as faithful disciples and to share the Gospel through our lives.
Arranging a Baptism for a Child
Parents who wish to have their child baptized should contact the parish office to begin the Baptism process.
The parish office can provide information about Baptism preparation, required documentation, scheduling, and the requirements for godparents.
Beth Pacelli
Parish Secretary
St. Pio of Pietrelcina Parish
Phone: 203-469-0764, Press 1
Email: stpioofpietrelcina@gmail.com
Beth will assist families with the information and arrangements needed to begin the process of having their child baptized.
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The teachings presented on this page are based on the Catechism of the Catholic Church, paragraphs 1213–1284.