Baptism

Baptism, is often referred to as the gateway to all the other Sacraments.  It is the Sacrament of the Church’s Faith and of incorporation into the Christian Community.

Our Christian Faith tells us that in Baptism, we:

  • are reborn through water and the Holy Spirit as adopted children of God
  • join Jesus in his death and resurrection as we pass through the water
  • become members of the Church in which the Holy Spirit dwells and acts
  • become disciples of the Lord Jesus
  • are given the pledge of eternal life
  • are forgiven of sin and transformed into a new creation filled with God’s love and grace.

Preparing for the Baptism

When you are ready to have your child baptized, contact the parish office to schedule a meeting for the parents and godparents to meet with the priest.  At the meeting:

  • You will be asked to provide a completed Baptism Application Form.
  • Father will review the baptism process with you.
  • A date and time will be set for the baptism.

The Parents’ Commitment

The celebration of Baptism is the first step in the making of a Christian.  Following Baptism, your child begins the journey of Faith toward full membership in the Christian community by the eventual celebration of his/her First Communion and Confirmation.  Parents are asked to nurture the faith life of their baptized child at each step along their faith journey.  This is the commitment parents make on the day of their child’s baptism.

The Role of Godparents

Godparents have a special role in baptism and in the faith journey of the godchild.  Godparents help the child to grow in faith and live by the teachings of the Catholic Church.  All godparents must be baptized Christians over the age of 16.  At least one of the godparents must be a practicing Catholic who has received all 3 Sacraments of Initiation; Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation.

The Baptismal Celebration

The following is a brief outline of the Baptismal Celebration:

  1. Reception of the Child:  The priest greets the family and the child to baptized.
  2. Liturgy of the Word:  God’s Word is then proclaimed for all present to hear.
  3. Preparatory Rites:  After a short prayer, the presider will anoint the child with the Oil of Catechumans for spiritual strength.
  4. Celebration of Baptism:  This includes the blessing of water, the vows of renunciation, the profession of faith, the Baptism, an anointing with Sacred Chrism, the clothing of the white garment and the lighting and presentation of the baptismal candle.
  5. Conclusion:  The celebration ends with the Lord’s Prayer, a blessing and the dismissal.