Dying and rising with Christ
Through water and the words spoken in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, the person baptized is freed from sin, born into new life, made an adopted child of God, and incorporated into the Church.
Baptism forgives original sin and every personal sin already committed, together with all punishment due to sin; nevertheless, human weakness and the spiritual struggle remain. The sacrament imprints an everlasting character and therefore is not repeated.
Suggested reading: John 3:1-8; Romans 6:3-11. Water expresses birth by the Spirit and participation in Christ's death and Resurrection.
Faith must continue to grow
The renunciation of sin and profession of faith do not end on the night the sacrament is received. The godparent and the whole community are responsible for helping the newly baptized keep the flame of faith alive and mature in their vocation.
If I am given a new identity in Christ, is there any label, habit, or relationship that I need to leave behind or allow to be healed?
Explore the signs in the rite: water, oil, the white garment, and the lighted candle. Write one sentence about how each sign calls you to live after initiation.
References
Path progress
Baptism: Reborn in Christ
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