The word “baptize” comes from a Greek word meaning “to plunge” or “immerse.” In Baptism we are plunged into Christ's death and rise with Him to new life.
God prepared for Baptism throughout the Old Testament: the Spirit hovering over the waters of creation, Noah's ark carried safely through the flood, and Israel passing through the Red Sea to freedom.
In the rite of Baptism we see:
- Promises: rejecting sin and professing faith in the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
- Water: poured three times (or immersion) with the words “I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.”
- Sacred chrism: an anointing showing we share in Christ's mission as priest, prophet and king.
- The white garment and the lighted candle: we have put on Christ and must shine with His light.
Baptism forgives original sin and all personal sins. It makes us a new creation, adopted children of God and temples of the Holy Spirit. It unites us to Christ and to His Church and marks us with an indelible seal.
Usually a bishop, priest or deacon baptizes. But in an emergency, anyone can baptize, by pouring water and saying the Trinitarian words with the intention of doing what the Church does.