SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM

Contacts: Rory Duran, RCIA Coordinator
sduran@bak.rr.com

Rebecca A. Yoch, Religious Education Coordinator
yochfamily@bak.rr.com

“Go, therefore ,and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit…(Matthew 28:19)
“Baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life, the gateway to life in the Spirit and the door which gives access to the other Sacraments.” (Catechism of the Catholic Church)

The Catholic Church offers Baptism to infants, children and adults who wish to be incorporated into the life of Christ Jesus and become members of the Catholic Church. Through Baptism, a person is freed from sin and becomes an “adopted” son or daughter of God. It is administered through the pouring of water (or immersion into water) and by the formula prayer, “I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.”

Baptism of Infants
The Catholic Church has always offered Baptism to infants and children at the beginning of their lives. Parents make the decision to share the Christian faith with their children and approach the Church in order to celebrate this first Sacrament with their child. As parents agree to raise their children in the faith, they make the commitment to live out their own Christian faith—worshiping with the Catholic community and giving example to their children of the Christian life.

Infant baptism is offered to children up to age 6. Parents and godparents are required to attend a pre-Baptism instruction which helps familiarize them with their role in the celebration of this Sacrament. Instructions are held every 1st Sunday of the month.

Baptism of Elementary School-Age Children
If parents wait until their child is of school age (grades 1-12), extended instruction in the Catholic-Christian faith is required. Often times, this may be up to 2 years. Elementary –grade students should enroll in our Religious Education Program and participate in our RCIC program which is geared towards non-baptized children.  

Baptism of Junior High and High School students
Children of Junior High and High School age, should register to be part of our Youth Ministry Programs. Through participation in these programs, they will be instructed about the Sacraments of Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation which they will receive usually during the Easter Season.

Baptism of Adults
Adults (those beyond High School age) who wish to be baptized enjoy the opportunity to make their decision for Baptism with full knowledge and appreciation of what the Christian life has to offer. Adults who have never been baptized will participate in the RCIA process (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) for a period of up to 2 years before celebrating Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist at Easter. RCIA classes are held weekly.

Adults who are previously baptized in another Christian denomination but who wish to become Catholic, also participate in the RCIA process. The Catholic Church honors all Christian baptisms.  Therefore, the person who wishes to convert to Catholicism will celebrate the Sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist.