Often known as the gateway Sacrament, the Sacrament of Baptism is the first of the Sacraments of Initiation and it directly responds to Jesus’ command to
“go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and the Holy Spirit.”
(Mat 28:19)
Accordingly, Holy Baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life, the gateway to life in the Spirit (vitae spiritualis ianua), 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.”
(CCC 1213)
The Sacrament of Baptism joins a person to Christ’s church (his mystical body) and allows them to receive all other sacraments. By Baptism persons are cleansed of both their original sin and personal sin, have punishment for sin remitted, receive sanctifying grace (a share in the divine life), and a special character.
It is through baptism that we truly become adopted sons and daughters of God, temples of the Holy Spirit. Through this Sacrament we are truly made anew and become members of the Church. In addition, we receive both the theological and moral virtues and actual grace to assist us in living a moral life. Once baptized, the individual is incorporated into Christ who is priest, prophet and king.
The celebration of this Sacrament requires the recitation of the Trinitarian formula (Father, Son and Holy Spirit), water and the intent to baptize. Once incorporated into Christ by baptism the person is sealed with the indelible spiritual mark(character). Anyone, not already validly baptized, can and should receive this Sacrament.
For more information about child and adult baptism please contact the parish office or see the parish priest after Mass. You can also see the Catechism of the Catholic Church paragraphs 1213 to 1284.
To arrange for the baptism of an infant, it is important that you contact the Parish Office, or speak with the Priest after Mass.
If you are an adult seeking to be baptized then you should check out the RCIA page on “Becoming a Catholic – the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults“.