Baptism marks the entry of the believer into the Christian community. Along with Confirmation and Eucharist, it is one of the Sacraments of Initiation, giving access to the full sacramental life of the Church. Through Baptism we are freed from sin and joined with Christ, sharing in His divinity and destined for eternal life. Baptism leaves us permanently changed, no longer the person we once were, but a new person, dying to death and sin, and rising to new life in Christ.

The rite consists of pouring water over the head while saying the Trinitarian formula. Anyone can baptize in an emergency, although the usual minister of the sacrament is a priest or deacon. Usually the rite includes anointing the forehead with holy oil to indicate that, even as Christ was anointed Priest, Prophet, and King, so does the candidate now share in His everlasting life, participating in His glory as a member of His body. The newly baptized then receives a white garment and a candle lit from the paschal candle. Like Christ, who is the light of the world, the newly baptized Christian carries the light of Christ out into the world.

Children

Infant Baptism:

In order for a child to be baptized, the Church requires that the minister performing the baptism have a reasonable hope that the child will be raised in the practice of the faith.  Attending Mass regularly for 6 months prior to baptism & being a registered member of the parish provides this reasonable hope. We will not be able to baptize your child until these requirements are met. Contact Father Mike after mass to discuss.

 

Adults

The Order of Christian Initiation for Adults (OCIA) is a process through which interested adults become members of the Catholic Church.  If you are un-baptized or baptized in another faith and would like to learn more about the teachings of the Catholic Church, please call the Parish Office to find out more about the OCIA process.