"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 and in the word.'"
Catechism of the Catholic Church, n. 1213
In order for an infant (birth to age 7) to be baptized, the pastor must have a founded hope that the parents will, to the best of their ability, practice the faith in which the child is to be baptized. The parents promise in the Rite of Baptism to teach the child what it means to be Catholic, not only be attending Mass each Sunday and Holyday, but also by the way they live their life at home.
There are also baptism preparation classes that are required which help the parents to understand the Sacrament of Baptism, its effects, and how the liturgy will be celebrated.
Baptism is most fittingly celebrated during Mass on Sunday, so that the child and his or her family will see the family which the child is joining, but may be celebrated outside of Mass if necessary.
Please contact the parish office to learn more about scheduling and preparing for the Sacrament of Baptism
For any person aged 7 and older, the Church requires that the person go through the Rites of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA), because that person has reached the age of reason, and can make decisions about their faith for him or herself. The RCIA is a set of rituals which gradually welcomes one into the Church, culminating in the reception of the three Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation, and the Eucharist) at the Easter Vigil. The RCIA is geared for persons who are not baptized, or whose baptism the Catholic Church does not accept. But sometimes it can also be used for baptized Christians who seek admission into the Church by a profession of faith, and who would also be confirmed. For more information, please visit our RCIA page or contact Cindee McColley.