What does the Sacrament of Baptism do?
Holy Baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life and the gateway to life in the Spirit. Instituted by Christ, it is the sacrament through which we are freed from sin and reborn as children of God.
Baptism washes away all sins—both original sin inherited from Adam and any personal sins committed before baptism—along with all punishment for sin. It incorporates the baptised person into the mystical Body of Christ, making them an active member of the Catholic Church.
Baptism also imprints an indelible spiritual mark (character) upon the soul that cannot be erased by any sin. Because of this permanent character, Baptism is received only once in a person's lifetime. Through it, we are anointed with the Holy Spirit and called to share in Christ's priestly, prophetic and royal mission.
Sources
- Catechism of the Catholic Church, paragraph 1213
- John 3:5
- Matthew 28:19
Awaiting review by the chaplaincy. Written in our own words; the Church's own texts are the authority.