Sacraments

Baptism

Baptism is one of the seven sacraments of the Catholic Church. It is the basis of the whole Christian life, the gateway to life in the Spirit, and the door which gives access to the other sacraments.

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Through Baptism we are freed from sin and reborn as children of God; we become members of the mystical body of Christ, are incorporated into the Church and made sharers in her mission: "Baptism is the sacrament of regeneration through water in the word. (CCC: 1213)"

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In the Western or Latin Church, Baptism is usually conferred by an authorized minister by pouring water three times on the recipient's head, while reciting the baptismal formula: "I baptize you in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit" (cf. Matthew 28:19).