Catechism of the

Catholic Church
Sacrament of Baptism

1
 Baptism - Door To The Spirit ( 1213)

Baptism is the door to the Holy Spirit and to

the other sacraments (Council of Florence).
By Baptism, the believer is freed from sin,
reborn as Gods child, made a member of
Christ and of the Church, and given a share
in the Churchs mission.
 Various Names ( 1214-1216)

1. Baptism means to plunge or immerse. This

plunging into water symbolizes the believers
burial with Christ, followed by his rising up as a
new creature (2 Cor 5:17).
2. The washing of regeneration and renewal by the
Holy Spirit (another name for Baptism) refers to
the birth by water and the Spirit which is needed
to enter the kingdom of God (Jn 3:5).
This bath is called enlightenment because those
instructed are enlightened in their
understanding (St. Justin).
 Various Names ( 1214-1216) continued

St. Gregory of Nazeanzus wrote that

Baptism has many names: gift (because
conferred freely), grace (because given to
the guilty), enlightenment (because it
radiates light), clothing (because it veils our
shame), bath (because it washes), and seal
(as a sign of Gods Lordship).
 Events Prefiguring Baptism ( 1217-1222)

The Easter Vigil liturgy commemorates the saving

events which prefigured Baptism:
1. In the beginning, the Spirit breathed on the water
making them a wellspring of all holiness.
2. Noahs ark prefigured salvation through Baptism. The
flood waters are a sign of the waters of Baptism.
3. The Red Sea symbolized death. Baptism signifies
communion with Christs death.
4. The Israelites crossing the Red Sea prefigured
liberation. This freeing action is an image of the people
set free in Baptism.
5. The Israelites crossing the Jordan and receiving the
Promised Land also prefigured Baptism.
 Fulfilled In Jesus ( 1223)

These prefigurations are fulfilled in Jesus.

Jesus was baptized by John and, after his
Resurrection, he commanded the apostles to
make disciples of all nations and to
baptize in the name of the Father, and of
the Son, and of the Holy Spirit (Mt 28:19-
20).
 Johns Baptism ( 1224)

Jesus submitted to Johns Baptism to fulfill

all righteousness (Mt 3:15). At this
moment, the Spirit (present over the waters
at the first creation) came upon Christ (the
new creation), and the Father revealed that
he was his beloved Son (Mt 3:16-17).
 The Cross ( 1225)

Jesus spoke of his Passion as a Baptism

which he had to receive (Mk 10:38). The
water and blood flowing from his side
symbolized Baptism and Eucharist. After
Jesus death, men could be born of water
and the Spirit (Jn 3:5).
See where Baptism comes from... from the
cross of Christ, from his death (St. Ambrose).
 Baptizing After Pentecost ( 1226)

On Pentecost day, Peter told the crowd Repent,

and be baptized every one of you in the name of
Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and
you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit (Acts
2:38). After Pentecost, the apostles provided
Baptism for anyone who believed in Jesus (Jews,
God-fearers, and pagans). Paul told the jailer in
Philippi that he and his household would be saved
if he believed in the Lord Jesus. At once the jailer
with all his family was baptized (16:31-33).
 Entering Christs Death ( 1227-1228)

Paul teaches that the believer, through

Baptism, enters into Christs death, burial and
Resurrection, so that as Christ was raised
from the dead... we too might walk in newness
of life (Rom 6:3-4).

In Baptism, the imperishable seed of Gods

Word produces life-giving effects. The Word
is brought to the material element and it
becomes a sacrament (St. Augustine).
 Six Essential Elements Of Conversion
( 1229)

Although becoming a Christian is a journey

(rapid or slow) with several stages, there are
always six essential elements:
1.The Word is proclaimed
2.The Gospel (together with the needed
conversion) is accepted
3.The faith is professed
4.The person is baptized
5.The Spirit is given
6.The believer is admitted to Eucharistic
communion
 The Rite Has Varied ( 1230-1231)

Over the centuries, this initiation rite has

varied greatly. Originally, a lengthy
catechumenate (including liturgical rites)
culminated in the three sacraments of
initiation.
When infant Baptism became common, the
preparatory rites were very much abridged.
Therefore, infant Baptism demands post-
baptismal teaching and formation.
 Restored Catechumenate ( 1232-1233)

The Second Vatican Council restored the

catechumenate for adults with several stages
(found in the Rite of Christian Initiation of
Adults). In mission countries, initiation rites
already in use were allowed, if adopted to the
ritual.

Today, adults enter a catechumenate and then

receive the three initiation sacraments at once. In
the East, infants also receive Confirmation and
Eucharist with their Baptism. In the Roman rite,
infants receive Confirmation and Eucharist many
years later.
 Ten Parts Of The Rite ( 1234-1245)

The rite of Baptism shows clearly the sacraments

meaning and graces:
1. The sign of the cross (the imprint of Christ)
signifies the redemption won for us by Christ.
2. The Word of God enlightens the person and calls
forth a response of faith.
3. The exorcism shows freedom from sin and from
the devils power. This is completed by the laying
on of hands and the anointing with the oil of
catechumens. The person can then profess the
faith of the Church.
 Ten Parts Of The Rite ( 1234-1245)
continued
4. The consecration of the baptismal water asks
that the Father send the Spirit upon the water
(epiclesis), so the person will be born of
water and the Spirit.

5. The Baptism itself is the essential rite and

brings about death to sin and entry into new
life. This is conferred by a triple immersion
into the water or by pouring the water three
times over the candidates head.
 Ten Parts Of The Rite ( 1234-1245)
continued
6. The words used (in the Latin Church) are I
baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the
Son, and of the Holy Spirit. The last uses
similar words The Servant of God is baptized
in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of
the Holy Spirit.
7. The anointing with sacred chrism signifies that
the newly baptized has received the Holy Spirit
and is anointed priest, prophet, and king. In the
East, this anointing is Chrismation
(Confirmation). In the Roman liturgy, this
anointing announces that Confirmation will be
received years later.
 Ten Parts Of The Rite ( 1234-1245)
continued
8. The white garment symbolizes the persons sharing in
Christs new life.
9. The candle symbolizes the inner enlightenment by Christ,
the light of the world. The newly baptized (now a child
of God) can say Our Father.
10. First Holy Communion. The neophyte can now be admitted
to the marriage supper of the Lamb (Rev 19:9). The
Latin Church (reserving Eucharist to those who have
attained the age of reason) express this Eucharistic
orientation by having the baptized child brought to the altar
for the Our Father.
Three final blessings (of which the blessing of the mother
has a special place) complete the rite.
 Not Yet Baptized? ( 1246)

Every person not yet baptized and only

such a person is able to be baptized (In
the West, Canon 864; in the East, Canon
679).
 The Catechumenate ( 1247-1249)

Where the Gospel is newly preached, the

catechumenate has an important role in
disposing the adult for the full initiation gift.
The catechumenate must bring the person to
conversion and to mature faith. The person is
led (by successive rites) into the Churchs
faith, liturgy and charity.
Because the catechumens (even before
Baptism) are joined to the Church and are
leading a life of faith, the Church embraces
them as her own (Lumen Gentium 14 3).
 Infant Baptism ( 1250-1252)

Children need the new birth of Baptism to be freed

from darkness and brought into Gods family.
Because infant Baptism shows Gods total
gratuitousness, the Church (and parents) would deny
the children a priceless gift if they were not baptized
shortly after birth. Infant Baptism has certainly been
practiced since the second century and quite possibly
from the very beginning of the Church since
Scripture speaks of households being baptized
(See Acts 16:15, 33; 18:8; 1 Cor 1:16).
 Need For Beginning Faith ( 1253-1255)

To be baptized, the person needs only a

beginning faith (not a perfect and mature
faith). This beginning faith requires a
community of believers within which the
believers faith can develop. Because this
baptismal faith must grow, every year at
Easter time the Church celebrates the renewal
of baptismal promises.
 Need For Beginning Faith ( 1253-1255)
continued

Especially important is the role of the

parents. Also, godparents must be firm
believers and ready to help the persons
faith. Actually, the whole Church bears
responsibility for developing the grace of
Baptism.
 Who Can Baptize? ( 1256)

The ordinary ministers are the bishop, the

priest, and in the Latin Church, the deacon. If
necessity, anyone (even someone not
baptized) can baptize. They must have the
intention to will what the Church does when
she baptizes and use the Trinitarian
baptismal formula. The Church sees this
possibility for others to baptize because
Baptism is necessary for salvation.
 The Only Door We Know ( 1257)

Jesus clearly told the apostles to baptize their

disciples (Mt 28:19). Whoever believes and
is baptized, will be saved; whoever does not
believe will be condemned (Mk 16:16).
Because Baptism is the only door to eternal
happiness which the Church knows, she
makes sure that all are baptized. Although
God has bound salvation to Baptism, he
himself is not bound by his sacraments (he
can save by other means).
 Death Before Baptism ( 1258)

Some, although not baptized, have suffered death

because of faith in Christ. This Baptism of blood,
much like Baptism of desire, brings about the fruits
of the sacrament.

Catechumens who die before Baptism are assured

of eternal salvation by their desire for Baptism and
their repentance for sins.
 Salvation Of Those Not Baptized
( 1259-1261)

Because God wants everyone to be saved, the

Spirit gives everyone a chance to share in
Christs death and rising. Those who are
ignorant of the Gospel and the Church, yet
seek the truth and do Gods will (according to
their understanding) can be saved. It is
supposed that such persons would desire
Baptism explicitly if they knew its necessity.
 Salvation Of Those Not Baptized
( 1259-1261) continued

Concerning children who have died without

Baptism, the mercy of God (who wills all to
be saved) and Jesus tenderness toward the
children, allow the Church to hope that
these children are saved. The Church calls
parents not to prevent their children from
receiving Baptism.
 Two Main Effects (1262)

The immersion in water signifies Baptisms

two main effects - purification from sins and
new birth in the Holy Spirit. Peter promised
his hearers (on Pentecost) that by Baptism
they would receive forgiveness for your
sins and the gift of the Holy Spirit (Acts
2:38).
 Forgiving Sin/Removing Punishment
( 1263)

Baptism forgives all sins (original and

personal) and all punishment for sin (Council
of Florence). Nothing remains to impede
entrance into heaven.
 Consequences Remain ( 1264)

Some consequences of sin (sickness, death,

weakness of character) remain. There is also
an inclination to sin called concupiscence
with which we struggle. However, this
inclination does no harm if resisted by
Christs grace (Council of Trent).
 Effects Of Baptism ( 1265-1266)

Baptism makes the believer an adopted child of God,

a sharer in Gods nature, a co-heir with Christ, and a
temple of the Holy Spirit.
By sanctifying grace (the grace of justification), the
baptized:
1. Are enabled to believe in God, hope in him, and love
him (theological virtues)
2. Can live according to the power of the Holy Spirit
(the sanctifying gifts)
3. Can grow in goodness (the moral virtues)
Baptism bestows the whole organism of the
supernatural life.
 Joined With Others ( 1267-1268)

By Baptism we are members one of

another (Eph 4:25). This Body of Christ
transcends all cultures, because by one
Spirit we were all baptized into one body
(1 Cor 12:13).

The baptized have become living stones.

They are a royal nation, a holy priesthood,
Gods own people (1 Pet 2:9) sharing in the
common priesthood of all believers.
 Duties Of Baptized ( 1269-1270)

The baptized belong to Christ and have the

duty to serve others in the Church and to
obey Church leaders. They have a right to
the sacraments, to the nourishment of Gods
Word, and to all the Churchs spiritual
helps. They must participate in the Churchs
missionary activity.
 One With All The Baptized ( 1271)

Baptism is the sacramental bond of unity

(even for those not in full communion with
the Catholic Church). By faith and Baptism,
all are incorporated into Christ, have a
right to be called Christians and to be
accepted as brothers
(Unitatis Redintegratio 3)
 Effects Of Baptismal Seal ( 1272-1273)

Baptism seals the Christian with an indelible

spiritual mark (the character of Baptism)
which sin cannot erase. Therefore, Baptism
cannot be repeated.

This sacramental seal consecrates the person

for Christian religious worship and requires
them to participate in the Churchs liturgy
and to bear witness by their holy lives.
 Sealed Forever ( 1274)

This seal of the Lord is for the day of

redemption. The Christian who is faithful
to this seal will die marked for eternal life
with hope in seeing God.
Baptism is the seal of eternal life
(St. Irenaeus)