2. What baptism means

Water, new life, and becoming part of the Christian community.

A gift, not a graduation

Catholic teaching describes baptism as new life in Christ, forgiveness of sin, and entry into the Church. It is a sacrament: a visible sign through which God gives grace.

Read the biblical images

Romans 6 connects baptism with Christ’s death and resurrection. Matthew 28 links it with becoming a disciple, and Acts 2 describes baptism within the first Christian community.

A visible celebration

Baptism uses water and the invocation of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Adults entering the Catholic Church ordinarily receive Baptism, Confirmation, and first Eucharist together.

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