Baptism
Baptism
In baptism, a person is born into and shares in the life of God and the Church. Through baptism, a person is adopted by the Father as a beloved son or daughter, incorporated into Christ and his body, the Church, and becomes a temple of the Holy Spirit. Baptism, the first sacrament, forgives all sins and opens the way for a person to live and grow with God and the Church through the other sacraments.
-
Baptism makes one a member of the body of Christ and incorporates one into the Church, sharing in its mission. The principal effects of Baptism are purification from sins and a new birth in the Holy Spirit. The Catholic Church baptizes all ages.
-
For infants the Church requires formation and catechesis for parents in preparation for the baptism of their children.
-
Adolescents and adults are prepared for Baptism through a process called the RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation).