What is it?
Baptism is the first and most fundamental sacrament. It initiates a person into the Christian life, washing away original sin and all personal sins, incorporating the baptized into the Body of Christ (the Church), and conferring the Holy Spirit.
Theological Meaning
Baptism is a participation in the death and resurrection of Christ (Romans 6:3-4). The water symbolizes cleansing from sin and the new birth in the Holy Spirit. It marks the person as belonging to God and is the gateway to all other sacraments.
How it's Celebrated
The candidate (or parents/godparents for infants) declares faith in Christ and the Church
Water is poured three times over the head (or full immersion) in the Trinitarian formula
The minister says: 'I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit'
The white garment is given as a symbol of new life in Christ
The baptismal candle is lit from the Easter candle
The Ephphetha rite (ears and mouth touched) may be performed