Baptism

Baptism is the first and foundational sacrament of the Church. It is through baptism that we

are united with Christ and become members of His Church. This sacrament opens the door
to the entire Christian life and enables us to receive all the other sacraments.
 

In baptism, we receive what is called a sacramental character, a spiritual mark on the soul

that cannot be erased. Through this, we are configured to Christ and share in His threefold
mission as priest, prophet, and king. This means we are called to offer our lives to God in

prayer and worship (like a priest), to bear witness to the truth of the Gospel (like a prophet),

and to serve others with love and justice (like a king).
 

Baptism also has profound spiritual effects. It cleanses us from all sin, including original sin,

and fills us with sanctifying grace, the very life of God in our souls. It also gives us
justification, meaning we are made right with God and begin a new life in Christ. These are
not merely symbolic acts but real spiritual transformations.