Sacraments of Initiation:
Baptism, Confirmation, Holy Eucharist
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. (CCC 1213)
Through Baptism we are freed from sin and reborn as sons and daughters 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 and in the word.”
Baptism is the first of the Sacraments of Christian Initiation. Through it, we are cleansed from sin, become sons and daughters of God, and are welcomed into the family of the Church.
The origin and foundation of Baptism are found in Jesus Christ himself. Before beginning his public ministry, Jesus chose to be baptised by John the Baptist—not because he needed purification, but to sanctify the waters of baptism. Though sinless and completely faithful to the Father’s will, he accepted baptism to show his solidarity with humanity and to reconcile us to the Father. By commanding his disciples to baptise all nations, Jesus established the means by which people would die to sin—both original and personal—and begin a new life in God.
Baptism brings about a profound transformation. It imprints an indelible spiritual mark upon the soul that endures for all eternity. Through this sacrament, the Holy Spirit moves us to respond to Christ’s call to holiness, to walk in his light, and to trust in his wisdom. We are invited to open our hearts ever more deeply to his love.
While every person is created in the image and likeness of God, it is through Baptism that we truly become sons and daughters of God and are drawn into the divine communion of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.