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

 

Baptism is birth into the new life in Christ. In accordance with the Lord's will, it is necessary for salvation, as is the Church herself, which we enter by Baptism.