RCIA Resource – Session 29

Baptism — New Birth and Entry into the Life of Grace

RCIA – Session 29
This session forms part of a structured introduction to the Catholic Faith used in parish RCIA. It is intended to be read slowly and prayerfully, alongside participation in the life of the Church. This material is offered for formation and reflection. Reception into the Catholic Church always involves personal discernment and parish accompaniment.

Aim of this session

By the end of this session, participants should understand that:

  • Baptism is necessary for salvation as the ordinary means chosen by Christ
  • Baptism truly forgives sin and gives new life
  • Baptism incorporates a person into Christ and the Church
  • Baptism is not merely symbolic
  • Baptism establishes a permanent spiritual reality

This session asks:

What is Baptism — and why does it matter so much?

1. Baptism Is the Beginning of the New Life

The sacraments give Christ’s life to us.

Baptism is the first sacrament because:

  • it gives spiritual life
  • it opens access to the other sacraments
  • it makes us members of the Church

Without Baptism:

  • the life of grace does not begin
  • the other sacraments cannot be received

Baptism is not an optional ceremony.
It is a beginning.

2. What Baptism Is

Baptism is:

The sacrament by which we are cleansed from sin, made children of God, and members of the Church.

It is not:

  • a naming ceremony
  • a public profession only
  • a symbol of belonging

It truly changes the soul.

Penny Catechism

Q. What is Baptism?
A. Baptism is the sacrament which cleanses us from original sin, and makes us Christians, children of God, and heirs of heaven.

3. Forgiveness of Sin

Baptism forgives:

  • original sin
  • all personal sins committed before Baptism

Nothing remains unforgiven.

This forgiveness is:

  • complete
  • real
  • permanent

Sin is not merely covered.
It is removed.

This shows the power of Christ’s redemption.

4. New Birth

The Church teaches that Baptism is:

A new birth.

Just as natural birth:

begins natural life

Baptism:

begins supernatural life

This life is not earned.
It is given.

Grace is not improvement of nature.
It is participation in God’s life.

5. Incorporation into Christ and the Church

Through Baptism, a person is:

  • united to Christ
  • made a member of His Body
  • incorporated into the Church

Baptism is never private.

Even when celebrated quietly:

it unites the person to the whole Church

Faith is personal.
Baptism is ecclesial.

6. The Indelible Mark

Baptism leaves:

A permanent spiritual mark on the soul.

This means:

  • Baptism cannot be repeated
  • it establishes a lasting identity

Even if a person later rejects the faith:

the mark remains

God’s gift is not withdrawn.

7. Necessity of Baptism

The Church teaches that:

Baptism is necessary for salvation

This does not mean:

God is limited by the sacraments

It means:

Christ commanded Baptism as the ordinary means of salvation.

The Church trusts God’s mercy for those who are not baptised through no fault of their own.

Penny Catechism

Q. Is Baptism necessary for salvation?
A. Baptism is necessary for salvation, because Christ has said: “Unless a man be born again of water and the Holy Ghost, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.”

8. Common Difficulties Addressed

“Isn’t Baptism just a sign of faith?”

It causes what it signifies.

“Why baptise infants?”

Baptism gives life; life is not withheld until understanding.

“What about those never baptised?”

God is just and merciful; the Church teaches what Christ commanded.

9. What Is Being Asked of You Now

At this stage, you are not asked to:

  • rush toward Baptism
  • suppress questions

You are asked to consider this:

If Christ offers new life through Baptism, do I desire that life?

That question prepares the way for the next sacraments.

10. Questions for the Week

Reflect quietly during the week:

  • Do I think of grace as real life or as a metaphor?
  • Why would God choose rebirth rather than instruction alone?
  • What does it mean to belong to the Church?

11. Closing Summary

Baptism is:

  • forgiveness
  • rebirth
  • incorporation
  • beginning

It is the gateway to the life of grace.

Next week we will ask:

What is Confirmation — and how does God strengthen the baptized?

Optional Closing Prayer

Lord Jesus Christ,
You give us new life through Baptism.
Awaken in us a desire for the grace You offer,
and prepare our hearts to receive it fully.
Amen.