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194 • Part II. The Sacraments: The Faith Celebrated
Baptismal Character
“Incorporated into Christ by Baptism, the person baptized is configured
to Christ. Baptism seals the Christian with the indelible spiritual mark
1. Why are the rites of Baptism so helpful for understanding
this Sacrament?
The meaning and grace of the Sacrament of Baptism are
clearly seen in the rites of its celebration. By following
the gestures and words of this celebration with atten-
tive participation, the faithful are initiated into the riches
this sacrament signifies and actually brings about in each
newly baptized person. (CCC, no. 1234)
2. Why is sin possible after Baptism?
Certain temporal consequences of sin remain in the bap-
tized, such as suffering, illness, death, and such frailties
inherent in life as weaknesses of character . . . as well as an
inclination to sin that Tradition calls
concupiscence.
(CCC,
no. 1264)
God also gave us free will. While he gives us Baptism and the
other Sacraments to help us make the correct choices, these
Sacraments do not force a person to do good and to avoid sin.
3. What helps the growth of faith after Baptism?
For all the baptized, children or adults, faith must grow
after Baptism. . . . For the grace of Baptism to unfold, the
parents’ help is important. So too is the role of the god-
father and godmother who must be firm believers and
ready to help the newly baptized—child or adult—on the
road of Christian life. (CCC, nos. 1254-1255)
FROM THE CATECHISM