Marlon De La Torre on Why We Renew Our Baptismal Promises

"Our human identity is intimately linked to the sacrament of Baptism. This may come as a surprise to some but the reality of our existence is intertwined to this first sacrament of initiation because it provides us with a rebirth as sons of God. In other words, through baptism we are incorporated into the life of Christ. This may not sound like a Catholic instruction on baptism but the Church is quite clear and definitive in its teaching of this first sacrament of initiation (CCC 1213). Intimate to this understanding of rebirth is the freedom from sin and our incorporation into the Church sharing in Christ's redemptive mission on the cross.

"When we hear the phrase 'baptized into his death' the two-fold question is; 'why his death and how?' St. Paul explains it this way: 'Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were buried therefore with him by baptism into his death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.' (Rom 6:3-4) The meaning behind 'baptized into his death' refers the shedding of the stain of original sin which is buried in the water used for Baptism. Christ was baptized to initiate his journey in freeing humanity from the bondages of sin and thus our baptism in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit allows us to become partakers of Christ death. If we are baptized into Christ's death, then we are also baptized into His life as witnessed by His resurrection (Easter)."

In a recent commentary, Marlon De La Torre, Director of Catechesis for the Diocese of Fort Worth, reflected on the reasons why we renew our Baptismal promises at Easter and at other designated times during the Church year.

To access Mr. De La Torre's complete post, please visit:

Knowing Is Doing: Why do we renew our Baptismal Promises? (14 APR 17)