QUESTIONS & ANSWERS QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
Are Catholic's Born Again?
Yes, by our baptisms we are considered to be born again in water and the Holy Spirit.
Jesus said in John 3:5: "...Very truly, I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God without being born of water and Spirit."(NRSV).
Peter declared on Pentecost Sunday to the crowds in Jerusalem: "Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." (Acts 2:38 (NAB))
The Church teaches along with St. Paul (Gal 3:27 and 1 Cor 6:11 and 12:13) that the baptized person puts on Christ and through the Holy Spirit, the waters of baptism purify, justify and sanctify.
The practice of infant baptisms, performed by the Church, is ancient. There is explicit historical evidence of it from the 2nd Century and there is Biblical examples of the apostles baptizing whole households which must have included children (see Acts 16:15,33;18:8 and 1 Cor 1:16).
- Deacon George Kozak (6/01)