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Baptism

In Baptism, the first sacrament of initiation, a person is born again into the Living Body of Christ. He or she is given a name as a share in the Divine Life of Jesus Christ himself.

God desires the salvation of every person and he makes this possible through a rebirth in the Holy Spirit and adoption into his family and kingdom.

The signs and symbols used are water, anointing with oil, laying on of hands and presentation of a lighted candle.

Unlike ordinary symbols these actually accomplish what they signify on the spiritual level.

• Water = cleansing and life giving
• Oil = participation in the kingship of Jesus and his priesthood
• Imposition of hands = indwelling of the Holy Spirit and
• Candle = the light and life of Christ

Click here for the Diocesan Norms for Sacraments of Christian Initiation and First Penance.

View the trailer for "Baptism - One 'Ohana", a video for baptismal catechesis with captivating images of Hawai'i. Click here for the full video.

The website for the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) has a wealth of information and resources for local Catechists. More information HERE.

Baptism: Incorporated into Christ’s Body, Sent on Christ’s Mission