Baptism 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.

• Baptism is birth into new life in Christ, we become adopted sons and daughters of God the Father, a member of Christ and a temple of the holy Spirit.
• All sins are forgiven, original sin and personal sins.
• We become Christian, sealed with an indelible spiritual mark on the soul of belonging to Christ.

Children: Since the earliest times, Baptism has been administered to children, for it is a grace and a gift of God that does not presuppose any human merit; children are baptized in the faith of the Church.

Renewal of Baptismal Promises: For all the baptized, children or adults, faith must grow after Baptism. For this reason the Church celebrates each year at the Easter Vigil the renewal of Baptismal promises.

Growing as a Christian: For the grace of Baptism to unfold, the parents’ help is important. So, too, is the role of the godfather and godmother, who must be firm believers, able and ready to help the newly-baptized, child or adult, on the road of Christian life. The whole community bears responsibility in the development and safeguarding of the grace given at Baptism.