Baptism

Baptism bestows the gift of sanctifying grace which washes away original sin and makes the new Christian a child of God. Baptism, being born again of water and the Spirit, establishes ties to spiritual family as the person becomes a child of God by adoption. It connects them to the human family of the Catholic Church.

The Sacrament of Baptism is often called “the door of the Church.” It is the first of the three Sacraments of Initiation (baptism, confirmation, communion). The reception of these other sacraments depends on baptism. In fact, the rite (or ceremony) of baptism traditionally was held outside the church doors of the main part of the church as a reminder that it is the “gateway” to Christian life.

Baptism classes are at 7:00 PM in the parish office. Please, call the parish office for more information on classes. Parents and godparents are asked to take a baptism class within one (1) years of the date of the baptism of their child or godchild.

A godparent must be an active and practicing Catholic who can serve as a role model and a mentor for the baptized child. As a result, Godparents must submit a Letter of Good Standing from their parish and present it with the Godparent Certificate.

The parish office will need a copy of the child's birth certificate, which can be turned in at the baptism class. Baptisms will be scheduled on a Saturday depending on availability of a priest or deacon once all the required paperwork is completed and submitted to the parish office.

Please contact bacevedo@stmartinforney.org for questions and more information.