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Baptism

Baptism is a sacrament of initiation (which you can only receive one time), meaning once you received it, you officially enter into the body of Christ, the Catholic Church. Through Baptism a person receives forgiveness of original and personal sin, as well as sanctifying grace and is sealed with a permanent spiritual mark.
 

A baptized person belongs forever to Christ.

A baby being baptized by a priest.

Baptism takes away original sin, all personal sins and all punishment due to sin. It makes the baptized person a participant in the divine life of the Trinity through sanctifying grace, the grace of justification which incorporates one into Christ and into his Church.

 

In the celebration of Baptism, water is sprinkled or poured over a candidate's head. Water is used in Baptism as a symbol of life. The priest or deacon will proclaims” “I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.”

 

The person being baptized is also anointed with two oils; the oil of catechumens is put on the chest, and chrism is put on the top of the head. Oil is a symbol of strength and healing.

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During the celebration, a candle is lit. This shows that the person baptized is asked to keep the flame of faith alive in his or her heart.

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