Baptism serves as the first sacrament one receives when entering the Catholic Faith. It is a sacrament of initiation (which you can only receive one time), meaning once you received it, you officially enter into the body of Christ, the Catholic Church. The recipient receives justifying and sanctifying grace when baptized, and the Holy Spirit begins to dwell within them.
“The soul is regenerated in the sacred waters of baptism and thus becomes God’s child.” — Saint Maximilian Kolbe
Aleteia Explains: Understanding the Sacrament of Baptism (3:34)
What Baptism Does
St. Paul describes baptism as the “first installment of our inheritance toward redemption as God’s possession, to the praise of his glory” (Ephesians 1:14). According to aboutcatholic.com baptism does five things:
- It forgives all sins that were committed before baptism including original, mortal, and venial sin.
- It makes the baptized a new creature.
- It turns the baptized into a newly adopted son or daughter of God and a member of the Church.
- It brings them to share in the royal priesthood of Christ. (1 Peter 2:9)
- It leaves a spiritual mark (or character) of belonging to Christ on the soul of the baptized.
How to prepare for Baptism
Since the Sacrament of Baptism is the first step of a life long journey of faith, all parents are encouraged to call the Church and make arrangements to speak with the pastor. Whether this sacrament is celebrated within or outside of Mass, all parents must make the necessary arrangements well in advance.
First time parents are required to attend the parish baptism prep session to become familiar with their responsibilities, obligations and duties in the religious education and spiritual formation of their child(ren).
Prayer for Blessings in Baptism
Our Father, we humbly come before You, seeking Your grace and blessing upon your precious children as they receive the sacrament of baptism. May Your Holy Spirit guide them in their journey of faith, and may they grow in Your love and truth, becoming shining lights for Your glory. Amen.
