One of the most important aspects of the Catholic Church’s life is the celebration of the Sacraments, which are the fruits of the redemptive sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. The word Sacrament literally means “holy thing.” So when we talk about the Sacraments, we are talking about worship practices that are holy—set apart in a special way for God. Sacraments are outward signs of inward grace, instituted by Christ for our sanctification. Moreso, Sacraments are powers that comes forth from the Body of Christ, which is ever-living and life-giving. They are actions of the Holy Spirit at work in his Body, the Church. (C/f CCC.1116)
The practices adhere in the Sacraments were instituted by Jesus in a very special way—unlike any other part of corporate worship. These practices are special ways in which the Holy Spirit promises to work in the lives of his people in the church. Because these are holy practices instituted by Jesus, he has “attached” his presence to them in a special way. Similarly, these practices are ways in which God communicates his grace to his people in the church. This is not his “saving” grace; For example, baptism alone cannot save a person from sin! But God’s gracious presence and blessing is given to his people through these sacraments in a very real and special way.
Because the sacraments were instituted by Jesus Christ, we see that they were given by him to his followers, who would practice them chiefly in the context of the community of believers in Jesus Christ—the church.
It is pertinent to also note as stated in the Code of the Canon Law that, the sacraments of the New Testament were instituted by Christ the Lord and entrusted to the Church. As actions of Christ and of the Church, they are signs and means by which faith is expressed and strengthened, worship is offered to God and our sanctification is brought about. Thus, they contribute in the most effective manner to establishing, strengthening and manifesting ecclesiastical communion (C/f Code of Canon Law 840).
BAPTISM
Baptism has been described as the Sacrament which cleanses us from original sin, makes us Christians, children of God, and members of the Church. It is also the basis of the whole Christian life, the gateway to life in the Spirit, and the door which gives access to the other sacraments; it is the sacrament of regeneration through water in the word (C/f CCC.1213). It is likewise the birth into the new life of Christ. In accordance with the Lord’s will, it is necessary for salvation, as is the Church herself, which we enter by baptism (C/f CCC 1277). Furthermore, Baptism, the gateway to the Sacraments, is necessary for salvation, either by actual reception or at least by desire. By it people are freed from sins, are born again as children of God and, made like Christ by an indelible character, are incorporated into the Church. It is validly conferred only by washing in real water with the proper form of words (Can. 849).
Apart from being instituted by Christ as a sacrament, the Church also relies on the words of Christ to his Apostles “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you” [Mt. 28: 19-20] (C/f CCC 1276). Similarly, Baptism imprints on the soul an indelible spiritual sign, the character, which consecrates the baptized person for Christian worship. Because of the character Baptism cannot be repeated (C/f CCC 1280).