Baptism

- "The origin and foundation of Christian Baptism is Jesus. Before starting his public ministry, Jesus submitted himself to the baptism given by John the Baptist. The waters did not purify him; he cleansed the waters... Jesus did not need to be baptized because he was totally faithful to the will of his Father and free from sin. However, he wanted to show his solidarity with human beings in order to reconcile them to the Father. By commanding his disciples to baptize all nations, he established the means by which people would die to sin – Original and actual – and begin to live a new life with God.
  
  In Baptism, the Holy Spirit moves us to answer Christ's call to holiness. In Baptism, we are asked to walk by the light of Christ and to trust in his wisdom. We are invited to submit our hearts to Christ with ever deeper love."
  
  – The United States Catholic Catechism for Adults
- Baptism is the sacrament that marks the beginning of the entire Christian life, and is the first of the sacraments of initiation. In Baptism we are freed from sin and become sons and daughters of God. We receive the very life of God, become part of the Body of Christ, become members of the Church and are called to share in its mission (Compendium to the Catechism of the Catholic Church).
  
  The Catholic Church baptizes at any age, infants through adults, though the requirements vary based on the age of the person to be baptized.
  
  For infants and children up to age 7 yrs., the sacrament of Baptism is generally celebrated on the first and third Sunday of each month following the 11am Mass.
  Prior to a Baptism, parents are asked to contact the Parish Center and to attend two preparation classes. Session One is normally held at 5:30pm on second and fourth Thursdays (you only need to attend one); Session Two is held one
  Sunday each month. Parents are encouraged to attend these classes prior to birth or adoption.
  Please allow at least one month between contacting the parish office and the baptism.
  For baptism for ages 7 yrs and older, please contact Christina Stokman, Catechesis & Formation Director, 651-457-8841 / [email protected].