As the Catechism of the Catholic Church 1213 tells us, “Baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life, the gateway to the 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 in the word.’” Baptism is the greatest gift that the Church can give, as it is the indwelling of the Trinitarian life in the soul. Further, as the “door which gives access to the other sacraments,” Baptism prepares one for the union of the Eucharist. It is the main reason why we give the gift of Baptism to infants – we want them to have, from the earliest age, the greatest gift and fullness of life that Baptism provides. “Baptism is God’s most beautiful and magnificent gift … We call it a gift, grace, anointing, enlightenment, the garment of immortality, a bath of rebirth, seal, and most precious gift. It is called:
a gift because it is conferred on those who bring nothing of their own
grace since it is given even to the guilty
Baptism because sin is buried in the water
anointing for it is priestly and royal (as are those who are anointed)
enlightenment because it radiates light
clothing since it veils our shame; bath because it washes, and
seal as it is our guard and the sign of God’s Lordship.” St. Gregory Nazianzus
To prepare for the Sacrament of Baptism, first-time parents must attend a Baptism preparation class before the baptism of their first child. There is an online component and an in-person component to this preparation. To register or schedule the baptism,
Please download and complete the baptism registration and general sponsor forms, which are available at the links below.