What is the Sacrament of Baptism?

Baptism is the first of the seven sacraments and the gateway to the Christian life. Through Baptism, a person is freed from original sin, reborn as a child of God, and incorporated into the Church. The essential rite involves pouring water over the head (or immersion) while saying, 'I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.' Baptism imparts an indelible spiritual mark (character) on the soul, meaning it can never be repeated. Infant Baptism has been practiced since the early Church, based on Acts 16:33 and the understanding that God's grace is a gift, not earned by the recipient. Adults who have not been baptized receive Baptism through RCIA, typically at the Easter Vigil. Godparents (sponsors) are chosen to assist the baptized in living the faith. In emergencies, anyone — even a non-Catholic — can validly baptize using the proper form and intention.