I. What is This Sacrament Called?

1214 This sacrament is called Baptism, after the central rite by which it is carried out: to baptize (Greek baptizein) means to "plunge" or "immerse"; the "plunge" into the water symbolizes the catechumen's burial into Christ's death, from which he rises up by resurrection with him, as "a new creature." Catechism of the Catholic Church, page 342, Doubleday, New York, 1995.

1237 Since Baptism signifies liberation from sin and its instigator the devil, one or more exorcisms are pronounced over the candidate. The celebrant then anoints him with the oil of catechumens, or lays his hands on him, and he explicitly renounces Satan. Catechism of the Catholic Church, page 348 , Doubleday, New York, 1995.

1239 The essential rite of the sacrament follows: Baptism properly speaking. It signifies and actually brings about death to sin and entry into the life of the Most Holy Trinity through configuration to the Paschal mystery of Christ. Baptism is performed in the most expressive way by triple immersion in the baptismal water. However, from ancient times it has also been able to be conferred by pouring water three times over the candidate's head. Catechism of the Catholic Church, page 348, Doubleday, New York, 1995.

"Baptism restores supernatural life. Without that life, man does not have the capacity to enjoy heaven. Adults gain the life of grace by an act of perfect contrition or pure love of God ("baptism of desire"). Infants are incapable of such an act of the will; unbaptized babies cannot go to heaven but in their state of "limbo" do not suffer in any way."

Religions in America, p.347