Baptism is the foundational sacrament that makes us adopted children of God, forgives all sin, and is necessary for salvation. Through baptism, one becomes a new creation in Christ and a member of the Church. Baptism frees us from sin, gives access to the Holy Spirit and other sacraments, and truly makes us Christian. Anyone can receive baptism which leaves an indelible mark and lifelong commitment to God and the Church. While baptism is a necessity, God's mercy is not bound by sacraments for those unaware of its meaning.

1. The Sacrament of Baptism:
The Sacrament which gives us new life, forgives all sin
and makes us adopted children of God.

2. Baptism is necessary for salvation.
In this sacrament, one becomes a new creation in Christ
and a member of His Church.

3. Background
Baptism is the foundation for the whole
Christian existence.
It is the gateway into life of the Holy Spirit, and
it gives us access to the other sacraments.
In Baptism, we are freed from all sin,
including original sin.
It is through Baptism, that we truly become
a “Christian.”
Sacrament of Initiation!!!
Eucharist and Confirmation

4. Jesus and Baptism
He begins His public life through baptism.
Jesus allowed Himself to be baptized by St.
John, not only out of humility, but also as an
example for us.
As the Holy Spirit rested upon Jesus at His
baptism, so too does the Spirit come to us in
our baptisms.
As the Father called Jesus His beloved Son,
so too do we affirm God as our Father in
Baptism.
In His Passion and death, Christ opened to all
people the fountain of baptism.
“See where you are baptized, see where Baptism comes
from, if not from the cross of Christ, from his death. There
is the whole mystery: he died for you. In him you are
redeemed, in him you are saved.” - St. Ambrose
So, the Church carries on
this mission of the apostles
when she baptizes.
Jesus’ last instruction to His
apostles after the resurrection
was to baptize.
We become CHILDREN of GOD!

6. Interesting…
The word "baptism" comes from the Greek word to "plunge" or
"immerse." As Christ plunged into death for our sake and rose
again, so too are we plunged into the waters for rebirth.
“Do you not know that all of us who have baptized
into Christ Jesus were baptized into this death?
We were buried therefore with him by baptism into
death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead
by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in
newness of life?“ Romans 6:2-4
How are we baptized into the death of Christ?
Through the suffering, sacrifice that comes with being Christian;
our Baptism is a "death" to sin and birth into new life.

7. A Sacrament of Faith
“He who believes and is baptized will be saved;
but he who does not believe will be condemned.” Mark 16:16
Baptism is a sacrament of faith. In order to be baptized, one
must have faith, at least the beginning of a development of
faith. In fact, during the Baptismal rite, the person to be
baptized, or the godparent if the person is an infant, is asked,
“What do you ask of God’s Church.” Their reply is “Faith!”
For both children and adults being baptized, faith
must continue to grow after Baptism. It is for this
reason that the faithful of the Church renew their
Baptismal promises every Easter.

8. The Baptismal Vows
Renunciation of Sin
Do you reject sin, so as to live in the freedom of God's Children?
I do.
Do you reject the glamour of evil, and refuse to be mastered by sin?
I do.
Do you reject Satan, father of sin and prince of darkness?
I do.
Profession of Faith
Do you believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth?
I do.
Do you believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was born of the Virgin
Mary, was crucified, died, and was buried, rose from the dead, and is now seated at
the right had of the Father?
I do.
Do you believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting?
I do.
This is our faith.
This is the faith of the Church.
We are proud to profess it, in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Amen.

9. Who can be baptized?
Anyone (adults, children, infants)
Because we are born with a fallen
nature, tainted by original sin, even
the newly born are in need of
Baptism. Their parents and
godparents make an act of faith on
behalf of them, and they grow in this
faith.
Who?
Who can baptize?
The usual ministers of baptism are
bishops, priests, and deacons.
However, anyone can baptize in
extreme circumstances. One must
use the proper baptismal words:
"In the name of the Father, and of
the Son, and of the Holy Spirit."

10. Requirements for reception
For Infants:
Faith of parents and godparents
(sponsors) with the expectation that the
child will be raised in the practice of the
Catholic faith.
Infants are Baptized because of the faith of
their parents.
Mother Church wants what is best for her
children…from the beginning!

11. For older children and adults:
Adequate preparation and
profession of faith in the
Trinitarian creed
The presence of a sponsor

12. The Effects
1. Sins (original and personal) are washed away
4. We become members of the Church, the Body of Christ
3. We become adopted Children of God.
5. We receive grace from the Holy Spirit to live as a follower of Jesus
and a member of the Church
New birth in the Holy Spirit
- The baptized person receives the supernatural
theological virtues: faith, hope and love.
2. It is made possible for us to share in eternal salvation.

13. Essential Elements (Matter and Form) of the Sacrament
1. Pouring of Water
2. Saying the words of the formula…
…I baptize you in the
name of the Father, the
Son and the Holy Spirit.
Other Elements include:
•Oil of Catechumens
•Chrism
•Candle
•White Garment

14. Implications
A Baptized
individual is
guaranteed the
lifelong help of
the Holy Spirit!
One makes a life-long
commitment to God, to His
Church and to the Faith
entrusted to the Church by
Christ.
One is welcomed into the
priesthood of the faithful
and promises to dedicate
his life as an offering to
God.

15. Baptism leaves an indelible
mark on one's soul
-The 3 sacraments Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Orders all
leave an indelible—that is, impossible to remove—seal upon
one’s soul. The indelible mark of Baptism is:
a. a life long distinguishing mark (Distinguishes a Christian from
a non Christian, a member of the Church from a non-member of the
Church)
b. a mark of responsibility (Because we are incorporated into the
royal priesthood of Jesus, we must offer spiritual sacrifices pleasing to
the Father.)
c. a mark of configuration (we are conformed to Christ, which
disposes us to receive other graces)

16. The Importance…
Baptism is a necessity!
Jesus tells us: "Truly, truly I say to you,
unless one is born of water of the
Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of
God." John 3:6
Even though God has bound salvation to sacraments,
He and His mercy are not bound to the sacraments.
But what if someone leads a good life, but he never hears
about Baptism? Does this mean he can't go to heaven?
Baptism is only necessary for those who have heard
the Gospel message and who have the possibility for
asking for the sacrament.
(We will be held responsible for the truth revealed to us!!)

17. Specifically…
1. Baptism by blood: those who die for the sake of faith without
receiving the sacrament of Baptism are baptized through their
martyrdom for Christ. (CCC 1258)
2. Catechumens: if someone who has an explicit desire to receive
Baptism and is repentant of his sins is assured the salvation through the
sacrament they were unable to receive. (CCC 1259)
3. Those who would have desired Baptism explicitly if they had
known its necessity: “Every man who is ignorant of the Gospel of
Christ and of his Church, but seeks the truth and does the will of God in
accordance with his understanding of it can be saved.” (CCC 1260)
4. Children who have died without Baptism: We can only entrust
them to the mercy of God, with confidence in His saving power and
Jesus’ tenderness toward children: “Let the children come to me, do not
hinder them.” Mark 10:14 (CCC 1261)