Saints LightPreparing for Baptism
Ten clear lessons on what Baptism is, what it does, how the rite unfolds and how to live it afterward. Each lesson includes a ready-to-use plan for a parish preparation class.
The lessons
- What Is Baptism, and Why Does It Matter So Much?
Baptism is the sacrament Jesus commanded that washes us, gives us God's own life and opens the door to every other sacrament. It is God's gift, not a family custom.
- Baptism in the Bible: From the Flood and the Red Sea to the Jordan and Pentecost
God prepared his people for Baptism through the waters of creation, the Flood, the Red Sea and the Jordan, and Jesus fulfilled them all. Since Pentecost the Church has baptized everyone who accepts the Gospel.
- What Does Baptism Actually Do?
Baptism wipes away all sin, makes you God's own child, joins you to the Church, and marks your soul as Christ's forever. The struggle against sin remains, but now you face it with grace.
- Why Does the Church Baptize Babies, and What Do Parents Promise?
The Church baptizes babies because God's grace is a gift that does not have to wait, and parents promise to raise their child so that the faith becomes the child's own.
- Godparents: Who Can Be One, and What Do They Really Do?
A godparent is a practicing, confirmed Catholic chosen to help a baptized person live the faith for life. The role starts at the font and lasts long after it.
- What Happens in the Rite of Baptism, Step by Step?
The rite moves from the church door to the font to the altar: the child is welcomed and signed with the cross, hears God's word, is anointed, baptized, clothed in white, given a light, and blessed.
- Baptism for Adults: The Easter Vigil, Already Baptized Christians and Conditional Baptism
Unbaptized adults receive Baptism, Confirmation and First Communion together, usually at Easter. Christians already validly baptized are never baptized again, and a conditional Baptism is given only when there is serious doubt.
- The Renunciation of Sin and the Profession of Faith: What Are You Really Saying I Do To?
At Baptism we say no to Satan, sin and evil's lies, and yes to the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. These promises are the root of the Creed and are renewed for life.
- After the Water: How Do I Live My Baptism Every Day?
Live your Baptism through small daily signs, a yearly celebration, prayer, Sunday Mass and Confession. They are how the life given at the font grows.
- Emergency Baptism, and What About Babies Who Die Without Baptism?
In an emergency anyone can baptize by pouring water on the head while saying the Trinitarian words. Babies who die without Baptism are entrusted to God's mercy, and the Church hopes for their salvation.
Take Baptism in the app
This course is free in the app too, with progress tracking, a guided class for each lesson and a certificate when you finish.
Every course is open free for your first 14 days. After that, one payment of $14.99 unlocks every course. There is no subscription.