Baptism is the first and foundational Sacrament of the Christian life. Through Baptism, a person is freed from sin, reborn as a child of God, and incorporated into the Body of Christ, the Church. It is the gateway to all the other sacraments.
In Baptism, God calls us by name and claims us as His own. Through the pouring of water and the invocation of the Most Holy Trinity — Father, Son, and Holy Spirit — we are washed clean of original sin, filled with the grace of the Holy Spirit, and marked with an indelible spiritual seal that identifies us forever as belonging to Christ.
What Baptism Does
Through the Sacrament of Baptism:
- We are forgiven of original sin (and all personal sins if baptized as an adult)
- We become children of God
- We are welcomed into the Catholic Church
- We begin our lifelong journey of faith
- We are called to live as disciples of Jesus Christ
Baptism of Infants
The Catholic Church baptizes infants because Baptism is a gift of God’s grace, not a reward for personal achievement. Parents and godparents promise to raise the child in the Catholic faith, helping them grow in love of God and neighbor until the child is able to personally profess the faith.
Baptism of Adults
Adults who seek Baptism participate in a period of preparation through the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA). This journey includes prayer, instruction, and formation, leading to Baptism, Confirmation, and the Eucharist.
Our Call After Baptism
Baptism is not an ending, but a beginning. Every baptized person is called to:
- Grow in faith through prayer and the sacraments
- Live according to the teachings of Christ
- Share God’s love through service and witness
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”
— Matthew 28:19