What is Baptism?

Baptism is the first sacrament a person receives. Along with Confirmation and the Eucharist, it is one of the three Sacraments of Christian Initiation. It lays the foundation for the entire Christian life.

The word “Baptism” means immersion in water. It symbolizes being buried with Christ in His death and rising with Him to new life (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1214). It is also called a washing of rebirth and renewal because it removes all sin—original sin and, in adults, any personal sins as well (CCC 1215).

During Baptism, water is poured over the person’s head (or the person is immersed in water) while the priest or deacon says:
“I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.”

When another Christian denomination baptizes using water and this Trinitarian formula, the Catholic Church recognizes that Baptism as valid. A person in that situation is not baptized again if he or she becomes Catholic.

What are the effects of Baptism?

Baptism has profound effects:

• The person receives the life and presence of the Holy Trinity—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
• All sin is completely forgiven, giving the person a new beginning.
• The baptized person becomes an adopted child of God.
• He or she becomes a member of the Body of Christ (the Church) and a temple of the Holy Spirit.
• The person shares in Christ’s priesthood.
• Baptism leaves an indelible spiritual mark (called a “character”) on the soul. Because of this permanent mark, Baptism is never repeated.

The Church understands Baptism as a gift from God, just like faith itself. This is why infants are baptized. Even though they do not yet understand what is happening, they receive God’s life. As they grow, they come to personally accept and live out the gift they were given.

Why is Baptism important for salvation?

Jesus said, “No one can enter the Kingdom of God without being born of water and Spirit” (John 3:5). For this reason, the Church teaches that Baptism is necessary for salvation.

At the same time, the Church also teaches that while God has tied salvation to Baptism, He Himself is not limited by the sacraments (CCC 1257). God does not demand the impossible.

• Infants who die before Baptism, including those lost through miscarriage or abortion, are entrusted with confidence to God’s mercy and love.
• Those who die for Christ before receiving water Baptism receive what is called Baptism of Blood.
• Those who sincerely seek truth and try to do God’s will, even if they do not know Christ through no fault of their own, may receive what is called Baptism of Desire (CCC 1258–1260).

The Church teaches that salvation is open to all through one of these forms of Baptism. As Scripture says, “God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him” (John 3:17). God desires the salvation of every person.

Baptism begins our lifelong journey with God. From that moment forward, God leads us, guides us, and calls us into eternal life with Him.