St. Peter's Parish

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Baptism

Holy Baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life, the gateway to life in the Spirit (vitae spiritualis ianua ), and the door which gives access to the other sacraments. Through Baptism we are freed from sin and reborn as sons of God; we become members of Christ, are incorporated into the Church and made sharers in her mission: "Baptism is the sacrament of regeneration through water in the word.
- Catechism of the Catholic Church

As part of this first Sacrament of Initiation, Baptism uses physical symbols such as water, chrism (oils) and light to illustrate God's mercy, and the cleansing and removal of both original and personal sin.