Baptism

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

In order to prepare for the Sacrament of Baptism, first-time parents are required to 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 to schedule the baptism after you have completed a preparation course, please contact Ryan Hunt, Coordinator of Evangelization, at [email protected].

If you or the person that you are trying to register is above the age of seven, please visit the OCIA webpage.