The sacrament of baptism ushers us into the divine life, cleanses us from sin, and initiates us as members of the Christian community. It is the foundation for the sacramental life.

At baptism, the presider prays over the water:

Baptism frees us from the bondage of original and actual sin. Water is poured in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Today, the sacrament of baptism is often performed on infants shortly after birth. Adult baptisms occur at the Easter Vigil through the restored Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults. Adults or children baptized in a valid Christian church are not baptized again in the Catholic church. As the Nicene Creed says, “I confess one Baptism for the forgiveness of sins…”

The Catechism teaches:

– Water: The waters of baptism recall Jesus’ baptism by John the Baptist in the river Jordan. Water symbolizes cleansing and renewal as we begin a new life in Christ. We are washed clean of sin.

– Oil: At baptism, we are anointed into the life of Christ as “priest, prophet, and king.” A cross is traced on the candidate’s forehead as a reminder that we are inheritors of the Kingdom of God.

– Light: The baptismal candle is lit from the Paschal or Easter candle in the church as a sign of Christ’s light in the world. At baptism, we receive the light of Christ and are called forth to share this light with the world.

– White garment: The white garment placed upon us at baptism symbolizes Christ’s victory over death and his glorious resurrection. Likewise, the white garment or pall placed over the coffin at the time of death recalls our baptismal promises and reminds us that we are destined for eternal life.

While in ordinary circumstances, sacraments in the Catholic Church are administered validly by a member of the ordained clergy, in an emergency, the sacrament of baptism can be administered by anyone.