Baptism reminds us that God is with us. We become adopted children of God our Father.
We become sisters and brothers of Jesus and of one and other. We become temples of God’s Holy Spirit. As Roman Catholics we celebrate our baptism and share in His victory.
The Sacraments of Christian Initiation lay the foundation for the entire Christian life, and the first of these is Holy Baptism, which is the gateway to the life in the Spirit and the door which gives access to the life of grace. Through Baptism we are freed from all sin and born again of water and the Holy Spirit as children of God. Through Baptism we are made a new creation, and we become members of Christ and heirs of the Kingdom of Heaven.
Since the New Testament era, the Catholic Church has always understood baptism differently, teaching that it is a sacrament which accomplishes several things, the first of which is the remission of sin, both original sin and actual sin—only original sin in the case of infants and young children, since they are incapable of actual sin; and both original and actual sin in the case of older persons.
Peter explained what happens at baptism when he said,
“Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:38). But he did not restrict this teaching to adults. He added, “For the promise is to you and to your children and to all that are far off, every one whom the Lord our God calls to him” (2:39). We also read: “Rise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on his name” (Acts 22:16). It is the teaching of the Church that these commands are universal, not restricted to adults. Further, these commands make clear the necessary connection between baptism and salvation, a connection explicitly stated in 1 Peter 3:21:
We also read: “Rise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on his name” (Acts 22:16). It is the teaching of the Church that these commands are universal, not restricted to adults. Further, these commands make clear the necessary connection between baptism and salvation, a connection explicitly stated in 1 Peter 3:21: “Baptism . . . now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a clear conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.” We would welcome your questions and are prepared to meet and discuss the many issues surrounding baptism with you.
To arrange for the baptism of an infant, youth or adult please contact the Parish Office, or speak with the Pastor after any Mass. Don’t be surprised if he asks you to follow up with the phone call or email since often there are many, many requests after each Mass.
If you are an adult seeking to be baptized then you should consult the RCIA page on “Becoming a Catholic“.
If you or your family is not registered as being a member of our parish we hope you will take a minute to fill out the registration form and bring it to the Parish Office as well.
