BAPTISM
We first encounter Jesus in the sacrament of Baptism. In Baptism we become the sons
and daughters of God our Father and the brothers and sisters of Jesus. We are cleansed
of the original sin of our human parents, who disobeyed God, thereby brought sin and
death into the world. In this sacrament, through the pouring of the water and the
invocation of the Holy Trinity, we participate in the death and resurrection of Jesus who
triumphed over sin and death. We are incorporated into the community of the church,
which is the very body of Christ. Each one of us is made a priest so that we may praise
and worship the Lord, a prophet so that we may speak the word of the Lord, and a king
so that we may serve others as our King Jesus did. Baptism is the first sacrament of
initiation. It is the gateway to our reception of all of the other sacraments.
CELEBRATING THE SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM
Infants may receive the sacrament of Baptism soon after birth. Baptism is usually
celebrated during mass, but other arrangements can be made at the discretion of the
pastor. All Baptisms are scheduled through the office. All first time parents are expected
to participate in a parish preparation program, so it is important to contact the office as
soon as possible, even before the birth of the baby, so that program accommodations
can be made.
If you are a Catholic with an older child who is not baptized you are warmly invited to
contact the parish office or Father Hadden for information and assistance in helping
your family celebrate this beautiful sacrament.
If you are a non-Catholic who would like to know more about the Catholic faith or the
sacrament of Baptism you are warmly invited to check out the newcomer’s section of
this website, and to contact the parish office or Father Hadden for more information.
WHAT THE SAINTS SAY ABOUT BAPTISM
“By Baptism we are made flesh of the Crucified.” Pope St. Leo the Great
“Every baptized person should consider that it is in the womb of the church where he is
transformed from a child of Adam to a child of God.” St. Vincent Ferrer
“The soul is regenerated in the sacred waters of Baptism and thus becomes God’s child.”
St. Maximilian Kolbe