The Sacrament of Baptism is often called “The door of the Church,” because it is the first of the seven sacraments not only in time (since most Catholics receive it as infants) but in priority, since the reception of the other sacraments depends on it. It is the first of the three Sacraments of Initiation, the other two being the Sacrament of Confirmation and the Sacrament of Holy Communion.
Once baptized, a person becomes a member of the Church. Traditionally, the rite (or ceremony) of baptism was held outside the doors of the main part of the church, to signify this fact. When Jesus was baptized, he instituted the sacrament of Baptism. His Baptism blessed and sanctified the waters, thus making the sacrament efficacious. Cementing Baptism’s place in the New Covenant, Christ later tells his disciples to “go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” (Matt 28:19).
Baptism is made manifest through the Church by the power of the Spirit. The same Spirit that anointed Christ in the Jordan River at the institution of the sacrament continues his work through his bride. And with Baptism, the sign actually performs what it signifies. The water of Baptism restores the grace lost through original sin and grants new birth as a child of God (Jn 1:12-13). Your child’s Baptism will be a special moment for you and your family. It will also be a special moment for our parish as we welcome your child into the Christian Community.
“Just as a man cannot live in the flesh unless he is born in the flesh, even so a man cannot have the spiritual life of grace unless he is born again spiritually. This regeneration is effected by Baptism”
Saint Thomas Aquinas