Initiation into Christ’s church
Holy Baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life, the gateway to life in the Spirit (vitae spiritualis ianua), and the door which gives access to the other sacraments. Through Baptism we are freed from sin and reborn as sons of God; we become members of Christ, are incorporated into the Church and made sharers in her mission. Baptism is the sacrament of regeneration through water in the word.
This sacrament is called Baptism, after the central rite by which it is carried out: to baptize (Greek baptizein) means to “plunge” or “immerse”; the “plunge” into the water symbolizes the catechumen’s burial into Christ’s death, from which he rises up by resurrection with him, as a new creature.
This sacrament is also called “the washing of regeneration and renewal by the Holy Spirit,” for it signifies and actually brings about the birth of water and the Spirit without which no one “can enter the kingdom of God.”
This bath is called enlightenment, because those who receive this [catechetical] instruction are enlightened in their understanding. Having received in Baptism the Word, the true light that enlightens every man, the person baptized has been enlightened, he becomes a son of light, indeed, he becomes light himself.
Baptism is God’s most beautiful and magnificent gift. We call it gift, grace, anointing, enlightenment, garment of immortality, bath of rebirth, seal, and most precious gift. It is called gift because it is conferred on those who bring nothing of their own; grace since it is given even to the guilty; Baptism because sin is buried in the water; anointing for it is priestly and royal as are those who are anointed; enlightenment because it radiates light; clothing since it veils our shame; bath because it washes; and seal as it is our guard and the sign of God’s Lordship.
Source: Catechism of the Catholic Church (1213-1216)
Registration Form
A Baptism Information Sheet must be completed for each child to be baptized. Submit the completed form to the parish offices to receive confirmation of the Baptism date.
A Baptismal Certificate will be mailed to the address provided on the form within one month after the Baptism. Form
Basic Info
The sacrament of Baptism is celebrated on Sunday at Noon.
If you are a parishioner and would like to schedule a Baptism, please contact the parish offices. Prior to the baptism, parents must attend a Baptism Preparation Class which is designed to instruct the parents about the teachings of the church regarding Baptism, and to offer assistance in the spiritual preparation for their child’s reception of the first of the Sacraments of the Church. More Info
Godparents
In order to act as a Godparent for Baptism, one must be a practicing Catholic in good standing. Specifically this means:
-Mass attendance every Sunday (Exodus 20:8)
-Striving to live the moral precepts of the Church
-If married, a valid marriage in the Catholic Church
If the chosen Godparent is a member of another parish, a Certificate of Eligibility should be obtained from the pastor of their home parish, verifying their status as practicing Catholics within their community.