Baptism

Baptism is the first of the seven sacraments and the door to all the others. It is the first and chief sacrament of forgiveness of sins, by which we are united with Christ, born again in water and the Holy Spirit, and incorporated into the Church (CCC 977, 1213).

What Baptism Does

Through Baptism: Original Sin and all personal sin are forgiven; the soul receives sanctifying grace and the three theological virtues; the person is incorporated into the Body of Christ; and an indelible spiritual mark is imprinted on the soul — permanent and unrepeatable (CCC 1262–1274).

The Rite

The essential rite consists in immersing the candidate in water, or pouring water on the head, while pronouncing: "I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit." Both the water and the Trinitarian formula are required for validity (CCC 1278).

Infant and Adult Baptism

The Church baptizes both infants and adults. Infant Baptism is the ancient and universal practice of the Church, rooted in the need to free children from Original Sin. Adults are prepared through the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) (CCC 1247–1252).

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can baptize in an emergency? Any person — even a non-Christian — can validly baptize in necessity, provided they use water, say the Trinitarian formula, and intend to do what the Church does (CCC 1256).

What about babies who die without Baptism? The Church entrusts unbaptized infants who die to God's mercy, trusting in his universal salvific will (CCC 1261).