Saints LightWhat Happens at Baptism?
Baptism washes away sin, fills us with God's life and makes us children of God and members of His Church.
Baptism is the first sacrament. A sacrament is a holy sign given by Jesus that really gives us God's life, which we call grace. Baptism is like a door: through it we enter the Church and can receive the other sacraments (CCC 1213).
At Baptism the priest or deacon pours water over the person's head three times, or dips them in the water, and says: I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Water washes, and Baptism washes away original sin and every other sin (CCC 1279).
Even more wonderful, Baptism makes us children of God. We are adopted into God's family, and the Holy Spirit comes to live in us. We also become members of the Church, the Body of Christ (CCC 1265, 1267).
Other signs help us understand. The newly baptized is anointed with holy oil called chrism, is clothed in a white garment to show they are clean and new, and receives a candle lit from the big Easter candle, because Jesus is the light of the world.
Many of us were baptized as babies, because the Church does not want little ones to wait for God's life (CCC 1250). Your parents and godparents made promises for you. As you grow, you get to say yes to those promises yourself. Your baptism day is like a second birthday: the day you were born into God's family!
Key points
- Baptism washes away sin and gives us God's life.
- Baptism makes us children of God and members of the Church.
- Water, oil, a white garment and a candle are its signs.
The Word of God
See how great a love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God!
Allow the little children to come to me! Don’t forbid them, for God’s Kingdom belongs to such as these.
Catechism paragraphs for this lesson
- CCC 1213
- CCC 1250
- CCC 1265
- CCC 1267
- CCC 1279
CCC means the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Saints Light teaches it in its own words and never quotes it. Look up any paragraph in a printed copy or at vatican.va. See every lesson by paragraph in the Catechism index.
Live it this week
Ask your family to find the date of your Baptism, and plan to celebrate it this year with a candle and a special prayer. If you can, look at photos or your baptismal candle together.
Check yourself: three questions
1. What does Baptism make us?
- Children of God and members of the Church
- Famous
- Perfect forever
- Grown-ups
Show the answer
Children of God and members of the Church. Baptism adopts us into God's family and makes us members of the Body of Christ.
2. What is the main sign of Baptism?
- Bread
- Ashes
- Water
- Fire
Show the answer
Water. Water is poured in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.
3. Why does the family receive a lit candle?
- In case the power goes out
- Because Jesus is the light of the world
- To make the church smell nice
- To blow out like a birthday cake
Show the answer
Because Jesus is the light of the world. The candle is lit from the Easter candle, because Jesus is our light.
Words to know
- Sacrament
- A holy sign given by Jesus that really gives us God's grace.
- Grace
- God's own life and help, given to us as a free gift.
More terms in the Catholic glossary. More passages in the Scripture index.
For catechists: a one hour class plan
Goal. The children will know what Baptism does and what its signs mean, and will treasure their own Baptism as the day they became children of God.
Opener. Ask: "When is your birthday? How does your family celebrate it?" Then: "Did you know you have a second birthday? Today we find out what it is."
Discussion questions
- What does the water in Baptism mean? [Washing clean and new life. Baptism really washes away sin.]
- What does it mean to be a child of God? [We belong to God's family forever. God is our Father.]
- Why do Catholics baptize babies? [God's love is a gift; babies do not have to earn it. Jesus welcomed little children.]
- Who are your godparents, and how can they help you? [They help you grow in faith. Encourage the children to pray for them.]
Activity. Baptism memory box: children decorate a small box or envelope with water drops, a shell, a dove and a candle. Inside they put a card to fill in at home: my baptism date, my church, who baptized me, and my godparents. If possible, visit the parish font, dip fingers in holy water and make the Sign of the Cross together.
Closing prayer. Father, thank You for making us Your children in Baptism. Thank You for our parents and godparents. Help us shine with the light of Jesus every day. Amen.
Timing. Welcome and Sign of the Cross 5 min, birthday opener 5 min, read the lesson aloud 10 min, discussion 10 min, memory box and font visit 15 min, memory verse 5 min, quiz together 5 min, closing prayer 5 min.
Related lessons
- Why Does Baptism Matter So Much? (The Sacraments)
- What Does Baptism Actually Do? (Baptism, free)
- What Is Baptism, and Why Does It Matter So Much? (Baptism, free)
- Why Does the Church Baptize Babies, and What Do Parents Promise? (Baptism, free)
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