A valid Baptism leaves an indelible seal on the soul. Because this mark can never be removed, it is not necessary, or even possible, for a Christian to be baptized more than one time.
Baptism is one of three sacraments where this permanent spiritual change occurs. The Sacraments of Confirmation and Holy Orders also leave an indelible mark on the soul and can only be received once.
If water flows over their head of a consenting person and the person baptizing says, “I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit,” the Catholic Church considers that person to be baptized.
A valid Baptism takes away original sin and forgives actual sin while providing Sanctifying Grace which is necessary to go to Heaven. It also makes a person a child of God and a new creation in Christ.
Sanctifying Grace is lost by mortal sin but the seal that indicates that the person belongs to Christ remains forever. Instead of needing another Baptism, Sanctifying Grace is restored in the Catholic through the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
Catholics who have left the Church do not require another Baptism upon returning, even if they were excommunicated,. They are still considered Catholic but must receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation before receiving the Holy Eucharist.
Christians who have been validly baptized in another Church and want to become Catholic are not baptized again. They are welcomed into the Church after making a profession of faith and confessing in the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
While Catholics can never be rebaptized, they do renew their baptismal promises at Mass every year during the Easter season and also as part of the ritual when attending another person’s Baptism.
Each time a Catholic walks through the doors of a Catholic Church, they recall the gift and the signs of their Baptism by placing their hand in the holy water font and blessing themselves with the Sign of the Cross.
Baptism can only be received once in a lifetime:
Only one Baptism in needed in the Christian life:
I, then, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to live in a manner worthy of the call you have received, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another through love, striving to preserve the unity of the spirit through the bond of peace: one body and one Spirit, as you were also called to the one hope of your call; one Lord, one faith, one Baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.
Ephesians 4: 1-6
Three sacraments leave an indelible mark on the soul:
No sin can erase the spiritual mark of Baptism:
A baptized person is baptized forever:
Upon each one of us too, born anew through the water and through the Holy Spirit, the heavenly Father makes his voice resonate with infinite love, saying “You are my beloved son”. This paternal voice, imperceptible to the ear but well audible to the heart of those who believe, accompanies us throughout our life, never abandoning us. Throughout our life the Father tells us: “You are my beloved son; you are my beloved daughter”. God loves us so much, as a Father, and never forsakes us. It is so from the moment of Baptism. We are reborn as children of God for ever! Indeed, Baptism is not repeated, because it imprints an indelible spiritual seal: “No sin can erase this mark, even if sin prevents Baptism from bearing the fruits of salvation”
Pope Francis, General Audience, 9 May 2018
Confessing one Baptism for the forgiveness of sins:
Incorporated into Christ by Baptism, the person baptized is configured to Christ. Baptism seals the Christian with the indelible spiritual mark (character) of his belonging to Christ. No sin can erase this mark, even if sin prevents Baptism from bearing the fruits of salvation. Given once for all, Baptism cannot be repeated.
Catechism of the Catholic Church 1272
Baptism is never repeated but vows are renewed:
Chances to begin again in the Catholic Church:
The Truth, Goodness, and Beauty of the Catholic Church
The Catholic Church makes a bold claim:
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