April 1, 2026

By Father William Muench
NCC columnist

One of the joys of Holy Week is the baptism of the catechumens at the Easter Vigil Mass on Holy Saturday evening. At the same time, there are others who are welcomed into the Catholic Church. They are already baptized; now they become a member of the Church as they receive the sacrament of confirmation. They have all been part of a weekly program (OCIA) for a whole year in preparation for the reception of Easter Sacraments. Each year, the Easter Vigil welcomes so many new members into the Catholic Church.

Our celebration of Easter is all about baptism. On Easter Sunday, the Church takes the time at each Mass so that all the congregation can celebrate a renewal of their own baptism. They do this by renewing their dedication to follow the Lord. So each person is challenged to remember their baptism and renew their baptismal promises. This is an important part of the celebration of Easter.

The celebration of Easter is a celebration of the Lord’s Resurrection. Our baptism is our entrance into the Resurrection of Jesus. In faith, we say that Jesus is and is always with us. Jesus is always present tense. The Letter of the Romans says this, “We were buried with Him by Baptism into his death… so that we too might live in a newness of life.” Baptism is not symbolic. Baptism truly unites us to the death and Resurrection of Jesus. Easter is not just remembered; it is lived even now through our baptism.

From the earliest centuries, the Catholic Church baptized catechumens at the Easter Vigil each year. The baptismal water is solemnly blessed, baptism is celebrated, and the faithful present are encouraged to renew their baptismal promises. St. Augustine would preach to the newly baptized, “You have become Christ. You are His body and members. It is your mystery that is placed on the Lord’s table. We do not just belong to Christ; we become part of him.”

St. Cyril of Jerusalem describes baptism in this way: “You go down into the water to die. You rise up to new life.”
St. Thomas Aquinas teaches us that baptism incorporates us into Christ’s Passion and Resurrection. Easter is the cause; baptism is the application to the soul. “Recognize, O Christian, your dignity.”

So, Today, I ask you do you remember your baptism? Do you live as someone raised to new life with Jesus? Are you always ready to renew your baptism, to live your baptismal promises seriously at this Easter Season. These promises are a powerful reminder of who we are – dedicated to the Lord Jesus, ready to live well as disciples of the Lord Jesus.

The baptismal promises: Do you reject Satan? And all his works? And all his empty promises? Do you believe in God, the Father Almighty, creator of heaven and earth? Do you believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, Our Lord, who was born of the Virgin Mary, was crucified, died, and was buried, rose from the dead and is now seated at the right hand of the Father? Do you believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the Resurrection of the body and life everlasting?

Easter is not only what happened to Jesus long ago. Through baptism, Easter has happened to us. We have died to all that keeps us from loving our Lord and Savior. We have risen. And now we are called to live as Easter people. “He has risen! He has truly risen!”