Baptism
“Baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life, the gateway to life in the Spirit, and the door which gives access to the other sacraments.” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, article 1213)
Through the waters of Baptism we are born to new life as members of the family of Christ. We are anointed to carry on the mission of Christ–as priest, prophet, and king– to bring about the Kingdom of God. We are clothed in the white garment as a sign of putting on Christ. We are called to keep the flame of Christ alive in our hearts. We are called to be the sacrament of Christ in the world. |
“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;garment since it veils our shame; bath because it washes; and seal as it is our guard and the sign of God's Lordship.” (St. Gregory of Nazianzus)
“From the very day of Pentecost the Church has celebrated and administered holy Baptism. Indeed St. Peter declares to the crowd astounded by his preaching: “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” (Acts 2:38) … Always, Baptism is seen as connected with faith: “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household,” St. Paul declared to his jailer in Philippi. And the narrative continues, the jailer “was baptized at once, with all his family.” (Acts 16:31-33), (Catechism of the Catholic Church, article 1226)
“From the time of the apostles, becoming a Christian has been accomplished by a journey and initiation in several stages. This journey can be covered rapidly or slowly, but certain essential elements will always have to be present: proclamation of the Word, acceptance of the Gospel entailing conversion, profession of faith, Baptism itself, the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, and admission to Eucharistic communion.” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, article 1229).
Christian initiation is accomplished by three sacraments together: Baptism which is the beginning of new life; Confirmation which is its strengthening; and the Eucharist which nourishes the disciple with Christ's Body and Blood.
“From the very day of Pentecost the Church has celebrated and administered holy Baptism. Indeed St. Peter declares to the crowd astounded by his preaching: “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” (Acts 2:38) … Always, Baptism is seen as connected with faith: “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household,” St. Paul declared to his jailer in Philippi. And the narrative continues, the jailer “was baptized at once, with all his family.” (Acts 16:31-33), (Catechism of the Catholic Church, article 1226)
“From the time of the apostles, becoming a Christian has been accomplished by a journey and initiation in several stages. This journey can be covered rapidly or slowly, but certain essential elements will always have to be present: proclamation of the Word, acceptance of the Gospel entailing conversion, profession of faith, Baptism itself, the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, and admission to Eucharistic communion.” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, article 1229).
Christian initiation is accomplished by three sacraments together: Baptism which is the beginning of new life; Confirmation which is its strengthening; and the Eucharist which nourishes the disciple with Christ's Body and Blood.
Baptism of Adults
Adults and children who have reached the age of reason (age seven), who are unbaptized or baptized in another Christian faith tradition and seek to embrace the Catholic faith, participate in an initiation process called the RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults). Both adults and children are fully initiated into the Catholic Church during this process, celebrating Baptism, if needed, Confirmation, and First Eucharist. |
Baptism of Infants & Children
We welcome and congratulate those families wishing to pass on the faith to their children through the sacrament of Baptism. The 1969 Rite of Baptism for Children states, “The people of God, that is, the Church, made present by the local community, has an important part to play in the baptism of both children and adults.” |
Godparents' Roles & Responsibilities
Together with the parents, the godparents are to present the infant at the baptism and help to lead the child to a Christian way of life. This includes helping the child to faithfully fulfill the obligations connected with our Catholic faith (Canon 872). |