Baptism is a sacrament that signifies and brings about the birth of water and the Spirit, which is necessary for entering the kingdom of God (CCC 1215). This is exemplified by the baptism of Jesus, which demonstrates his true sonship and obedience to God (Matthew 3:1-17). Through this sacrament, an individual dies to sin and rises with Christ in resurrection to become a new creature (CCC 1214). As a gift from God conferred on those who bring nothing of their own, Baptism is characterized by its effects of cleansing, enlightening, and sealing.

In its liturgical celebration, Baptism confers sanctification through the invocation of the Trinity (CCC 2156). During this process, the Christian receives a name in the Church that serves as a model of charity (CCC 2156). This name is sacred and acts as an icon of the person’s dignity (CCC 2158), expressing a Christian virtue or mystery that will shine in the kingdom (Rev 2:17, Rev 7:3-4).

Baptism is the first of the sacraments of Christian initiation, which also include the Eucharist and Confirmation (CCC 1213). These three sacraments ground the common vocation of all disciples to holiness and evangelization, providing the graces necessary for the pilgrimage toward heaven (CCC 1213). The reception of Confirmation is necessary to complete baptismal grace, as it perfects the baptized person’s bond with the Church and enriches them with a special strength of the Holy Spirit (CCC 1285). Furthermore, Confirmation increases and deepens this grace, rooting the believer more deeply in divine filiation and uniting them more firmly to Christ (CCC 1303).

Through Baptism and the Eucharist, the faithful are united with one another and with Jesus Christ, forming a communion of saints (CCC 950-951). This sacrament also establishes a baptismal priesthood, from which sacramentals derive, calling every baptized person to be a blessing to others (CCC 1669). Together with Confirmation, Baptism enables the Church to celebrate the liturgy, while the ordained ministry serves this baptismal priesthood to ensure that Christ acts through the Holy Spirit for the Church (CCC 1117-1120).