When talking with Nicodemus, Jesus taught that Baptism was necessary for salvation: “No one can enter the Kingdom of God without being born of water and Spirit” (John 3:5). After His Resurrection, Jesus gave the eleven Apostles the commission to preach the Gospel and baptize, telling them, “Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved” (Mk 16:16).

"Holy 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. Through Baptism we are freed from sin and reborn as sons of God; we become members of Christ, are incorporated into the Church, and made sharers in her mission: Baptism is the sacrament of regeneration through water in the word."

                                                                         -Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1213

Through baptism, we are incorporated into Christ through God’s gift of Sanctifying Grace. We are formed into God's people, and obtain forgiveness of all our sins, particularly Original Sin. We are raised from our natural human condition to the dignity of adopted children of God. We are made into a new creation through water and the Holy Spirit. Hence we are called, and truly are a child of God and become a member of His Holy Catholic Church.

If you would like more information about Baptism, visit FORMED.org and check out the program called REBORN.   Go to FORMED.org and enter the zipcode 54022 and select St. Mary's Big River to make an account and start watching.

Water

This is for purity and cleansing and is a sign that our sins are washed away and we are restored to a pure state. Baptism cleanses us of  Original Sin with which we are all born and, in the baptism of adults, of every sin committed prior to baptism. Water is also necessary for life and so is a sign, too, that the life of the risen Christ is ours.

Sign of the Cross

A sign on something shows its origin and ownership. The sign of the cross is the mark of Christians for Jesus Christ died on the cross. Parents and godparents trace it on the child's forehead to show that the baby truly belongs to God, who now offers His divine help and saving grace to overcome the evils in this life.

Oils

The Oil of Baptism is olive oil rubbed on the breast of the baby, just as athletes used to rub themselves with oil to strengthen and prepare for the fight ahead. The Oil of Chrism is a mixture of olive oil and balsam (sweet-smelling ointment) and is rubbed on the crown of the head. It is a sign of sealing with the gifts of the Holy Spirit. The profession of faith which you make on behalf of your child at baptism will later be confirmed personally by your child in the sacrament of confirmation when the Oil of Chrism will be used again.

White Garment

This garment recalls the new clothes worn by Christians after baptism in the first centuries. It is a sign of innocence, purity, and the new life of resurrection.

Candle

Symbolizes Christ --- the Light of the World. The baptismal candle is lit from the paschal candle, which stands near the altar at Easter as a sign of the risen Christ. The baptismal candle reminds us that the light of Christ has entered the child's life, and its flame symbolizes the flame of faith which will burn through the life of the child.