BAPTISM
Baptism is necessary before one can receive any other sacrament. It is the first sacrament of Christian initiation which is completed with the sacraments of Confirmation and the Holy Eucharist.
Baptism was instituted by Christ when he was baptized by St. John the Baptist and when he commanded his apostles to go and baptize all nations in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. (Cf. Matt. 28:19)
Baptism removes all sin: original sin and any other sins.
Baptism also makes us children of God, members of Christ, members of the Church, and heirs to the kingdom of heaven. This means that:
Baptism permanently relates us to God and is necessary to salvation.
Baptism imprints an indelible character on the soul of the recipient and can be received only once.
These effects are the fruits of sanctifying grace which is conferred through Baptism.
Anyone not baptized may receive Baptism.
Adults need to be introduced to the faith and its practice before receiving Baptism. This period of preparation is called the catechumenate.
For infants, it is required that there be a reasonable hope that the parents or parent will bring the child up in the Catholic faith.
The essential rite of the sacrament of Baptism is celebrated by immersing the candidate three times in water or by pouring water over the head of the candidate while saying, 'N., I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.'
The ordinary celebrant of Baptism is a bishop, priest, or deacon, but in the case of necessity anyone, man or woman, even one who is not baptized, can validly baptize by pouring water over the head of the candidate while saying the proper words quoted in #7 above.
A candidate for Baptism must have at least one sponsor, or godparent.
The godparent cannot be the mother of father of the one to be baptized.
The godparent must be at least sixteen, be a Catholic who has been confirmed, and has received the Holy Eucharist.
There can be two godparents, a man and a woman.
Non-Catholics cannot be godparents, but can be admitted as a witness to the Baptism.
The water of Baptism symbolizes both death with Christ and life with Him.
In Baptism, we are buried with Christ. We are submerged under the waters -- this is made especially clear when the rite is celebrated by immersion -- and we die with Christ under the waters and we rise with him. We have died and risen with Christ.
Water is also a symbol of life. Every life known needs water. In Baptism, we are given the very life of God.
Information on this page was taken from Outlines of the Catholic Faith with permission from The Leaflet Missal Company. Click here for more information about Leaflet Missal Company publications.