Baptism in plain terms
Baptism is the sacrament of new birth, washing, death and resurrection with Christ, and entrance into the Church. The person is baptized in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, ordinarily by immersion. Baptism is followed by chrismation, the anointing with holy myron, so the newly baptized receives the seal of the Holy Spirit.
Unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.
Why water is used
Water is not a visual aid only. In baptism, God uses water as the sacramental sign of burial and resurrection with Christ. The baptized person is joined to Christ’s death and raised into a new life that belongs to the Church.
Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death... even so we also should walk in newness of life.
How baptism relates to communion
Baptism is not treated as an isolated ceremony. It opens the way into the full sacramental life: chrismation, confession as the person matures, and Holy Communion. This is why baptismal preparation includes faith, repentance, catechesis, and pastoral guidance.
If you were baptized elsewhere
Do not decide this from a checklist online. Tell the priest where and how you were baptized, what words were used, and what church community you came from. Reception is handled pastorally under the Church’s guidance.