Sacrament of Baptism
Sacrament of Baptism
Sacrament of Baptism
SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM
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."
1214 ... to baptize (Greek baptizein) means to "plunge" or "immerse"; the "plunge" into the
water symbolizes the catechumen's burial into Christ's death, from which he rises up by
resurrection with him, as "a new creature."
History
At the very dawn of creation your Spirit breathed on the waters, making them the
wellspring of all holiness.
The waters of the great flood you made a sign of the waters of Baptism, that make an end
of sin and a new beginning of goodness.
You freed the children of Abraham from the slavery of Pharaoh, bringing them dry-shod
through the waters of the Red Sea, to be an image of the people set free in Baptism.
He instructed his apostles to follow his teaching and example, and bring salvation for all
ages through the whole world.
Out of love for us, he gave us the church and the sacraments for our sanctification.
WHO CAN RECEIVE BAPTISM?
"Every person not yet baptized and only such a person is able to be baptized."