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Baptism

Introduction

Baptism is birth into the new life in Christ. In accordance with the Lord's will, it is necessary for salvation, as is the Church herself, which we enter by Baptism.

The essential rite of Baptism consists in immersing the candidate in water or pouring water on his head, while pronouncing the invocation of the Most Holy Trinity: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

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.

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How can my children receive Baptism?

Since the earliest times, Baptism has been administered to children, for it is a grace and a gift of God that does not presuppose any human merit; children are baptized in the faith of the Church. Entry into Christian life gives access to true freedom. 

Therefore, if you want to have your child baptized, please contact the Parish Office .

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Baptism for adults

Since the beginning of the Church, adult Baptism is the common practice where the proclamation of the Gospel is still new. The catechumenate (preparation for Baptism) therefore occupies an important place. This initiation into Christian faith and life should dispose the catechumen to receive the gift of God in Baptism, Confirmation, and the Eucharist.

The catechumenate, or formation of catechumens, aims at bringing their conversion and faith to maturity, in response to the divine initiative and in union with an ecclesial community. the catechumenate is to be "a formation in the whole Christian life . . . during which the disciples will be joined to Christ their teacher. the catechumens should be properly initiated into the mystery of salvation and the practice of the evangelical virtues, and they should be introduced into the life of faith, liturgy, and charity of the People of God by successive sacred rites."

Catechumens "are already joined to the Church, they are already of the household of Christ, and are quite frequently already living a life of faith, hope, and charity."

 "With love and solicitude mother Church already embraces them as her own!"

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R.C.I.A. (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults)

Following the Second Vatican Council, the Rite of Baptism for Children of Catechetical Age has developed as a special case of the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (R.C.I.A.). In our parish we have a few cases every year of children coming forth as "enquirers," seeking preparation for baptism with their parents' consent. 

In contrast to the case of infant baptism with which we tend to be more familiar, these children of school age are being asked to reflect on their own faith journey and to make their own faith commitment at the particular level of childhood faith of which they are capable. Parents and godparents assist them on this journey and affirm them in their faith by professing their own faith and declaring their intention to support the children.

In preparation for the ceremony such candidates undergo a period of catechumenate, instruction in the faith. They meet for several catechetical sessions with a catechist and with one of our priests, in order to explore the symbols of the rite of baptism and their significance for their lives. They are invited to contribute to their baptism by decorating their own symbols of a water jug, baptismal garment and candle and they assist in the choice of Scripture readings and songs. 

 

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