Baptism is one of the seven sacraments that the Roman Catholic Church practice. It holds first place among the sacraments. The reason for this is Holy Baptism in the Catholic Church "is the door of spiritual life; for it we are made members of Christ and incorporated with the Church. And since through the first man death entered into all, unless we be born again of water and the Holy Ghost, we can not enter into the kingdom of Heaven" (Catholic Encyclopedia). Therefore, since Catholics believe that they cannot enter into the kingdom of heaven and be truly saved unless they are baptized, baptism is the first among the seven sacraments.
             Baptism is clearly stated as being important in the Catholic religion, but what does it mean? Baptism derived from the Greek word bapto or baptizo, which is to wash, dip, or immerse. "The Roman Catechism defines baptism thus: Baptism is the sacrament of regeneration by water in the work" (Catholic Encyclopedia). Catholics as well as many other Christians believe that when you are baptized you enter into the spirit of God, you are forgiven for your sins and become purified like water is pure.
             Water is the matter that is most fit for baptism, it is seen as being pure, clean, and helps in washing. It is believed that when one is baptized with water, the water washes away sin and makes one pure and right with God. " It is faith that true and natural water is the remote matter of baptism" (New Catholic Encyclopedia). The remote matter of baptism can me used whether it is water from the sea, a fountain, lake, stream, or marsh. It can be hot, cold, fresh, or salty. Water that is in the form of rain, melted snow, ice, or hail is also considered valid to baptize with. The question is if water could not be obtained would invalid matter work in its place?
             Invalid matter is considered as oil, beer, wine, saliva, etc. Invalid matter can not be used for baptism u...