Baptism is God's most beautiful and magnificent gift. . . .
We call it gift, grace, anointing, enlightenment, garment of immortality, bath of rebirth, seal, and most precious gift.
It is called gift because it is conferred on those who bring nothing of their own; grace since it is given even to the guilty;
Baptism because sin is buried in the water;
anointing for it is priestly and royal as are those who are anointed;
enlightenment because it radiates light;
clothing since it veils our shame;
bath because it washes; and
seal as it is our guard and the sign of God's Lordship.
- Saint Gregory Of Nazianzus
"Baptism is the sacrament of regeneration through water in the Word."
Holy Baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life, the gateway to life in the Holy Spirit, and the door which gives access to the other sacraments.
Through Baptism we are freed from sin, and reborn as people of God.
We become members of Christ, and are incorporated into the Church and the Church's mission (Catechism of the Catholic Church: The Sacrament of Baptism).
Watch and learn about Baptism and all the Sacraments for free, through our parish subscription to FORMED.
A brief introduction to what happens at Baptism
A fuller treatment of the Sacrament of Baptism, for parents and guardians
Baptism Explained For a teen audience
Audio presentation: Changed Forever
Ascension Press Guide to Baptism
Baptism 101, in a video under 8 minutes
Within a celebration of the Mass, Baptism takes place between the Liturgy of the Word and the Liturgy of the Eucharist.
The Rite of Baptism includes:
From the introduction of the Order of Baptism of Children (CCCB, 2020):