Jesus said, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot
enter the kingdom of God” (John 3:5, RSV-CE). In doing so, he spoke about the necessity of
Baptism to be saved.
In Baptism, we are washed clean of original sin and any personal sins committed before
Baptism.
We are also united with Christ in his death, burial, and rising to new life. St. Paul says, “We
were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, so that as Christ was raised from the
dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life” (Romans 6:4, RSV-CE).
By Baptism we are united to Christ in the Church (which is his Body) and we receive the grace
of the Holy Spirit.
Catholic parents have a moral obligation to have their infants baptized within the first few
weeks after birth. Since preparation is necessary for this sacrament, they should contact their
parish priest shortly after birth (or even make preparations beforehand).
Adults who wish to receive Baptism should speak with the parish priest as well. A period of
instruction will have to precede Baptism.