Baptism

 

A sacrament marked by the symbolic use of Holy Water and Holy Oils and resulting in admission of the recipient into the community of Christians.


 

For Catholics, the Sacrament of Baptism is the first step in a lifelong journey of commitment and discipleship. Whether we are baptized as infants or adults, Baptism is the Church's way of celebrating and enacting the embrace of God.

Baptism happens not only to the individual, but also to Christ's body, the Church. That's why  we celebrate Baptism in the Christian assembly, with the community present and actively participating. It is the community, after all, who is welcoming the new members, journeying with them, providing models for them, supporting and nourishing them. Baptism begins with God's love and care revealed to us through Christ. It continues with us, the Church, living and enacting God's love and care through Christ to the world. That's a serious commitment.

Preparation for the Sacrament of Baptism is of paramount importance.  For adults, the means given to us by the Church is the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (R.C.I.A.).

For children, parents are asked to prepare themselves well for the serious promises which they are asked to make during the Rite of Baptism of their child.  Parishes  often ask them to attend a brief Preparation Course to help them make their promises sincerely.

 

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