BAPTISM
Before we can walk, we must first learn to take our very first steps, and in the spiritual life, those steps begin with the Sacrament of Baptism. Known as the foundational gateway to all other sacraments, Baptism is a profound spiritual transformation where ordinary water becomes an instrument of extraordinary grace, washing away sin, igniting a brand-new spiritual life, and permanently adopting a person into the family of God.
What Happens in Baptism?
Water is poured three times over the candidate’s head with the priest or deacon saying: “[Name], I baptise you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.” Through Baptism, they are adopted into God’s family, incorporated into Christ’s mystical body (the Church), and marked with an indelible, permanent seal on their soul that signifies they belong to God forever.
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Why are we baptised as infants?
The Healing of Original Sin
Catholics believe that all human beings are born with original sin — not a personal wrongdoing, but a fallen human nature inherited from the very beginning of human history. Baptism is seen as the essential remedy that washes this away, infusing the child’s soul with God’s sanctifying grace and restoring their relationship with the Creator from the very start of their life.
A Gift of Unconditional Grace
Infant baptism highlights a powerful theological concept: grace is a totally free gift from God. A baby cannot earn salvation, pass a test, or declare their belief, yet God loves and claims them anyway.
Entry into God’s Family (The New Covenant)
In the Old Testament, infants were initiated into God’s covenant family through circumcision shortly after birth. Catholics view Baptism as the fulfilment of this practice — the “New Covenant” initiation.
The Responsibility of Parents and Godparents
When a baby is baptised, the parents and godparents make the baptismal promises on the child’s behalf. They publicly vow to raise the child in the faith, teaching them right from wrong and showing them how to love God and others.
Rooted in History
The Catholic Church has practised infant baptism since its earliest days. In the New Testament, scripture frequently mentions the apostles baptising “entire households” (such as the households of Lydia and the jailer in the Book of Acts), which historically and culturally included children and infants.
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