Baptism

The sacrament of baptism ushers us into the divine life, cleanses us from sin, and initiates us as members of the Christian community. It is the foundation for the sacramental life.

At baptism, the presider prays over the water:

Baptism frees us from the bondage of original and actual sin. Water is poured in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Today, the sacrament of baptism is often performed on infants, shortly after birth. Adult baptisms take place at the Easter Vigil through the restored Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults. Adults or children who have been baptized in a valid Christian church are not baptized again in the Catholic church. As we say in the Nicene Creed, “I confess one Baptism for the forgiveness of sins…”

The Catechism teaches:

"The fruit of Baptism, or baptismal grace, is a rich reality that includes forgiveness of original sin and all personal sins, birth into the new life by which man becomes an adoptive son of the Father, a member of Christ and a temple of the Holy Spirit. By this very fact the person baptized is incorporated into the Church, the Body of Christ, and made a sharer in the priesthood of Christ" (CCC 1279).

• Water – The waters of baptism recall Jesus’ own baptism by John the Baptist in the river Jordan. Water is a symbol of cleansing and renewal as we begin a new life in Christ. We are washed clean of sin.
• Oil – At baptism we are anointed into the life of Christ as “priest, prophet and king.” A cross is traced on the candidate’s forehead as a reminder that we are inheritors of the Kingdom of God.
• Light – The baptismal candle is lit from the Paschal or Easter candle that stands in the church as a sign of Christ’s light in the world. At baptism, we receive the light of Christ and are called forth to share this light with the world.
• White garment – The white garment that is placed upon us at baptism is a symbol of Christ’s victory over death and his glorious resurrection. Likewise, the white garment or pall that is placed over the coffin at the time of death recalls our baptismal promises and reminds us that we are destined for eternal life.

While in ordinary circumstances, sacraments in the Catholic Church are administered validly by a member of the ordained clergy, in an emergency situation, the sacrament of baptism can be administered by anyone.

In case of necessity, any person can baptize provided that he have the intention of doing that which the Church does and provided that he pour water on the candidates head while saying: “I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit" (CCC 1284).

Only the parents or sponsors may register a child for baptism in person, Monday thru Friday 8:00 -3:00pm Wednesdays 8:00-4:00

No private baptisms. Spaces are limited on Saturday mornings at 10:00 am. (Upon availability).

Community English baptisms are every second and fourth Sunday of the month after 9:00 a.m. Mass.

To register please bring the following information:

• Child’s birth certificate.
• Godparent Form must be turned in at time of registering your child. click here for form

Please select a couple of practicing Catholics who attend mass regularly and will be a good example to the child. If single, they must be 16 years or older and have received the Eucharist and Confirmation.

If the family requesting the baptism is from out of town, they must bring a letter of permission from their local parish. They also have the option to attend pre-baptism class there and bring the paperwork stating their attendance.

Baptism Spanish preparation class is usually the First or Second Wednesday of every month from 6-9:00 p.m. in the Social Hall at the Parish; the date will be given to you when you register at the church office. Only parents and Sponsors may attend class. (No children in class please)

Please call the office for baptismal fees.

Contributions are not refundable. 

For more information about Sacraments, please contact our Religious Education office.