Baptism

The Sacrament of Baptism cleanses us from sin and initiates us as members of the Christian community. It is the foundation for the sacramental life.

“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded of you” (Matthew 28:19-20).

Baptism is the first sacrament celebrated in the process of becoming a full member of the Church. It is the first of the three Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Eucharist, and Confirmation.

Baptism is, like all the sacraments, a gift from God. Water is the universal symbol. Water is absolutely essential for all life. Water cleanses and restores. It is the waters of Baptism that give us new life. Through Baptism we die to ourselves in order to be restored and resurrected in the new life of Christ.

“The fruit of Baptism…is a rich reality that includes forgiveness of original sin and all personal sins, birth into the new life by which man becomes an adoptive son of the Father, a member of Christ, and a temple of the Holy Spirit. By this very fact the person baptized is incorporated into the Church, the Body of Christ, and made a sharer in the priesthood of Christ” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1279).

Baptismal Symbols

  • Water – The waters of Baptism recall Jesus’ own baptism by John the Baptist in the river Jordan. Water is a symbol of cleansing and renewal as we begin a new life in Christ. We are washed clean of sin.
  • Oil – At Baptism, we are anointed into the life of Christ as “priest, prophet and king.” A cross is traced on the candidate’s forehead as are reminder that we are heirs of the Kingdom of God.
  • Light – The baptismal candle is lit from the Paschal or Easter candle that stands in the church as a sign of Christ’s light in the world. At Baptism, we receive the light of Christ and are called forth to share this light with the world.
  • White garment – The white garment that is placed upon us at Baptism is a symbol of Christ’s victory over death and His glorious resurrection.

 

For Infants & Young Children

Baptisms are generally celebrated within the Sunday Mass – except during the Lenten and Advent seasons.  Individual baptisms are available upon request, and are scheduled according to Father’s availability.

To prepare for the Sacrament of Baptism, parents are required attend a baptismal preparation class; godparents are strongly encouraged to attend class with the parents.

The parents of the child should choose no more than two godparents (one of each gender, as assigned at their birth) to help you raise your child in the belief and teachings of the Catholic Church.

A complete listing of guidelines for Baptism, and for Baptismal Godparents, may be found by clicking here.

For Adults

You will need to go through our Rite of Christian Initation for Adults (RCIA) program.  Each inquiring individual is brought into the Catholic Church at the time when it is mutually discerned that they are properly prepared.