What is the Sacrament of Baptism?

The Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) calls Baptism "the Basis of the whole Christian life" and the "gateway to life in the Spirit".  Through Baptism we are freed from sin and reborn into the life of the Spirit, and made members of the Church.  The word Baptism literally means to "plunge" for through it was are plunged into the life of Christ.  Further, Baptism is the gateway to the rest of the Sacraments, for Baptism makes one a member of the Chruch.

Water is the key ingredient in Baptism.  Water is both a necessity for life, and a threat to it.  With water, we are able to live.   Too much water, as in a flood, or a mudslide, and we die.  Hence, water is a symbol of both death and life.  It is this dual connotation that makes water such an appropriate symbol of this sacrament.  Out of the death of Christ, we are able to enter into eternal life.

In the Bible, water is mentioned often.  It was the Spirit of God that breathed on the waters at the dawn of creation.  It was the waters of the flood that destroyed all except Noah and his family when humans had gone astray.  It was through the parted waters of the Red Sea that God, through Moses, led Israel to the desert on their journey to the Promised Land.

In the New Testament, John the Baptizer called people to repentence in a ceremony of baptism.  This baptism was for sinners, and their conversion depended upon their own efforts.  Jesus submitted to this baptism to fulfill all righteousness.  Writes the Catechism, "Jesus' gesture is a manifestation of his self-emptying."  The Catechism also reminds us of the ongoing presence of the Holy Spirit, for "the Spirit who had hovered over the waters of the first creation descended then on the Christ as a prelude of the new creation, and the Father revealed Christ as his "beloved Son".  (CCC, paragraph 1224.   The account of Christ's baptism is in the 3rd Chapter of Matthew's gospel.)

"From the very day of Pentecost the Chruch has celebrated and administered holy Baptism.  Indeed St. Peter declares to the crowd astounded by his preaching:  "Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." (Acts 2:38)

From the earliest days of the Church, her mission has been to baptize believers.  Indeed, to baptize was the command of Jesus to the disciples in the gospel of Matthew.  And, since St. Paul recounts that entire households were brought to faith (Acts 16:31-33), the Church has long held the tradition of baptizing even infants, so important is the passing on of the faith.

Baptism is preceded in the Church by a period of instruction and preparation.  For adults, it is a period of preparation that usually involves months of formal classes and involvement getting to know the community.   With smaller children, the instruction is given to them, and also involves their parents.  With infants, the instruction and preparation is given to parents.

With adults, the celebration of baptism usually occurs during the Easter Vigil.  It is followed by the first reception of the Eucharist, and the celebration of Confirmation. For infants, the ceremony usually occurs in the context of a weekend liturgy, and when they reach the age of reason (age 7) they receive their First Communion, and as adults receive the Sacrament of Confirmation.

The ceremony involves a number of symbols, to remind us and bring to light the reality of the Christ, who bestows the grace in the sacrament

The sign of the cross, is traced on the forehead of the one to be baptized, at the very beginning of the ceremony, to mark "with the imprint of Christ the one who is going to belong to him and signifies the grace of redemption Christ won for us by his cross."  (CCC, paragraph 1235).

The ceremony is also distinguished by readings from the Bible.  Usually, a reading from the Old and New Testament, and a gospel reading.   "The proclamation of the Word of God enlightens the candidates (the ones to be baptized) and the assembly with the revealed truth and elicits the response of faith."  (CCC, paragraph 1236 - the material in parentesis was added)

Faith is essential to baptism. In the case of adults, the candidate is anointed with the oil of cathechumens (for strength), and then makes the confession of faith.   With infants, the candidate is anointed with the oil of catechumens, and the parents and community make the profession of faith. 

The baptismal water is consecrated by a prayer .   The Church asks God  that through his Son the power of the Holy Spirit may be sent upon the water, so that those who will be baptized in it may be born of water and the Spirit."  (CCC paragraph 1238).

"The essential rite of the sacrament follows:  Baptism properly speaking."   (CCC, paragraph 1239)  With water, the recipient becomes a child of God and a member of the Chruch.  The person is baptized with water, as the essential words of the rite are said:  "[The name of the person], I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.  Amen.

After the Baptism, the baptized person is anointed with sacred chrism (perfumed oil consecrated by the bishop).  This anointing "signifies the gift of the Holy Spirit to the newly baptized, who has become a Christian, that is, one "anointed" by the Holy Spirit, incorporated with Christ who is anointed priest, prophet and king."  (CCC, paragraph 1241)

"The white garment symbolizes that the person baptized has "put on Christ", has risen with Christ.   The candle, lit from the Easter Candle, signifies that Christ has enlightened (the newly baptized).  In him, the baptized are "the light of the world".  (CCC, paragraph 1243)

The Church believes a person may only be baptized once.