Baptism
Catechism of the Catholic Church
1216 Baptism is God’s most beautiful and magnificent gift. . . .We call it gift, grace, anointing, enlightenment, garment of immortality, bath of rebirth, seal, and most precious gift. It is called gift because it is conferred on those who bring nothing of their own; grace since it is given even to the guilty; Baptism because sin is buried in the water; anointing for it is priestly and royal as are those who are anointed; enlightenment because it radiates light; clothing since it veils our shame; bath because it washes; and seal as it is our guard and the sign of God’s Lordship.
Further Information
Welcome! What a joy and responsibility you are undertaking on behalf of your child.
What Does Baptism Do?
- It forgives all sins that were committed before baptism including original, mortal, and venial sin.
- It makes the baptized a new creature.
- It turns the baptized into a newly adopted son or daughter of God and a member of the Church. (enters into “Family of God”)
- It brings them to share in the royal priesthood of Christ. (1 Peter 2:9)
- It leaves a spiritual mark (or character) of belonging to Christ on the soul of the baptized.
It’s through the graces we receive in baptism that we are saved for the glory of eternal life, making this first sacrament extremely essential to our Catholic faith. Baptism in the Catholic Church not only brings a child into the faith but also strengthens family bonds by creating a shared spiritual commitment. It provides a sense of belonging to the larger religious community, offers support through the guidance of the Church, and encourages the family to nurture the child’s spiritual development from an early age. St. Paul describes baptism as the “first instalment of our inheritance toward redemption as God’s possession, to the praise of his glory” (Ephesians 1:14).
Choosing Godparents
Deep faith. Exemplary friendship. An open and generous heart. Maturity.
Recommended articles:
Baptism Application Form
For further information please contact the Parish Office on nlparish@adam.com.au or +61 8 8566 2064