The sacrament of regeneration and rebirth, by which we are freed from sin and become children of God and members of the Church
The Gateway to Life in Christ
Summary: Baptism marks the beginning of our journey of faith, washing away original sin and grafting us into the Body of Christ. Through the pouring of water and the invocation of the Trinity, we are spiritually reborn and receive sanctifying grace for the first time. This sacrament establishes our identity as beloved sons and daughters of God and makes us heirs to the promise of eternal life. It is the foundation upon which our entire Christian life is built.
Scripture: “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). “No one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit” (John 3:5)
Catechism Reference: CCC 1213. Holy Baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life, the gateway to life in the Spirit (vitae spiritualis ianua), and the door which gives access to the other sacraments. Through Baptism we are freed from sin and reborn as sons of God; we become members of Christ, are incorporated into the Church and made sharers in her mission: “Baptism is the sacrament of regeneration through water in the word.“