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BAPTISM

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   The sacrament of Baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life, the gateway to life in the Spirit and the door which gives access to the other sacraments. Through Baptism we are freed from sin and reborn as children of God; we become members of Christ, are incorporated into the Church and made sharers in its mission: “Baptism is the sacrament of regeneration through water in the word.” 

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   The Greek word baptizein means to plunge or to immerse, and whether we are literally immersed in water or the water is poured upon us, the water symbolizes the burial with Christ of the catechumen. “Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? We were buried therefore with Him by baptism into death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life” (Romans 5:3-4).

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   Baptism is a time of great joy and celebration for parents, family members and the parish family. It is the first sacrament of initiation, the beginning of a lifelong journey in knowing, loving and serving Jesus. Our journey always begins with an invitation, a call from God through the Christian community to live the gospel as committed disciples of Christ. That call and response are ritualized and made visual and “real” for us in the celebration of Baptism. It is the Church’s way of celebrating and enacting the embrace of God who first loved us from the moment of conception. Baptism is the outpouring of God’s Holy Spirit and our acceptance of that transforming love.

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   A sponsor (often called a "godparent") serves a special role for one to be baptized and should be chosen carefully and with concern for the spiritual life of the one being baptized. They are significant supporters and the ones who can first begin to reveal to their godchild the value of the Christian community. Only one sponsor is necessary, although two, a man and woman, are preferred. According to Church law it is not permitted to have either two males or two females as sponsors. Church law insists that the sponsor be at least 16 years old and fully initiated in the Catholic Church (having received Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation). They must be a member in good standing of the Catholic Church, lead a life in harmony with the faith and the role to be undertaken, and be someone other than the legal parents. 

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Baptisms are scheduled TWICE monthly:

First Weekends on Sunday at 10:30am Mass.

Third Weekends on Saturday following 4:30pm Vigil Mass.

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Please CONTACT US below for details, or to arrange a consultation with the priest or deacon.
 

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