Which statement best describes Baptism?

• A. The sacrament by which one becomes a member of the Church and a new creature in Christ.
• B. A symbol with no lasting effect.
• C. A yearly festival.
• D. A ritual that ends with Confirmation.

Answer: (A)

Baptism is the rite of initiation into the Church. Through the act of water, a person is cleansed from sin and welcomed into God’s family, becoming a new creation in Christ. This describes Baptism’s real, lasting impact: it moves you from outside the church into the community of believers and gives grace that marks a new spiritual life. It isn’t just a symbolic moment with no lasting effect, and it isn’t an annual festival. It also isn’t a ritual that ends with Confirmation; Confirmation is a separate sacrament that strengthens the grace you received at Baptism.