Baptism In The Church
1213 Holy Baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life, the gateway to life in the Spirit (vitae spiritualis ianua),4 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.”5
IV. WHO CAN RECEIVE BAPTISM?
1246 “Every person not yet baptized and only such a person is able to be baptized.”46
The Baptism of Infants
We welcome the sacrament of Baptism with Joy! Part of the process is to attend a brief class with Father Mark. Once we receive your request for Baptism, we will work with your schedule. In addition, we recommend reading the section on becoming a sponsor/Godparent to help guide your choice.
Become a Catholic
The Baptism of Adults
1247 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.
Each year on Holy Saturday during the Easter Vigil, thousands are baptized into the Catholic Church in the United States. Parishes welcome these new Catholics through the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA). Contact us to inquire about our faith.
Become a Sponsor/Godparent
You have been asked to be a confirmation sponsor for one of our young adults, or the godparent for a little child. Congratulations!! The person being Confirmed, or the parents of the newborn, must think highly of you. As you know, here in the Catholic Church, you are required to obtain a certificate that states your eligibility to be a sponsor or godparent. That means you satisfy the conditions necessary for this honor and responsibility. We want to clarify what an eligible Catholic Sponsor is and is not:
An Eligible Catholic for Sponsorship is …as found in the Catechism of the Catholic Church
- minimum of 16 years old, received the sacraments up to and including Confirmation, attends Mass weekly, is in a valid Catholic Marriage (if applicable), participates at the parish level outside of Mass.
An Eligible Catholic for Sponsorship is not …
- An adult who does not attend Mass on a weekly basis
- Married outside of the Catholic Church
- An adult who claims a Catholic faith because they attended Catholic school
- A former altar server
- Having attended Mass as a child
- Having parents currently attend Mass at a church where you grew up
- A parent or grandparent of candidate
- Registering with our church for the purpose of Sponsorship
We must be forthright, and true as one important dimension of our beloved Catholic Church. And, in this case, be authentic sponsors and godparents who truly and seriously intend to accompany our young people in their journey of faith!
If you would like to schedule an appointment to discuss your eligibility, please contact our office. If eligibility seems out of reach, we are happy to work with you by suggesting a course of action.
Please choose one of the options below:
