Baptism signifies the baby’s entrance into the Church. We become members of Christ and the Church through the Sacrament of Baptism. The community of believers and the parents make a commitment to care for and teach this child as he or she is raised in the Catholic faith. Water is poured over a person’s head. The celebrant proclaims “I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.”
The person being baptized is anointed with two oils; the oil of catechumens is put on the chest, and chrism is put on the top of the head. Oil is a symbol of strength and healing.
A candle is lit during the celebration. This shows that the person baptized is asked to keep the flame of faith alive in his or her heart.
Through Baptism a person receives forgiveness of original sin as well as personal sins. The newly baptized person receives sanctifying grace and is sealed with a permanent spiritual mark.