Baptisms are celebrated either during the Sunday (Saturday Vigil) Mass or outside of Mass, as scheduled with the pastor.
"Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you." ~18 Mt 28:19-20; cf. Mk16:15-16.
Since Pentecost the Sacrament of Baptism has been celebrated as we understand it. The word baptism comes from the Greek baptizein which means to "plunge" or "immerse". The catechumen's immersion into the water symbolizes Christ's death from which they rise up and share in His resurrection into new life. Christ commanded his disciples to baptize in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit and he affirms the necessity for salvation. However, while God has bound salvation to the sacrament of Baptism, God is not bound to his sacraments.
Candidates for Baptism should be registered members of the parish and attending Mass regularly before beginning preparation for the sacrament.
Baptism Information Classes are scheduled with the pastor and each couple individually. Call the pastor to set up an appointment. If you have attended a baptism class within the last 4 years, you only need to come into the parish office to fill out an information card.
Children age 7 and older need special instruction through the RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults) program.
RCIA is for adults (and children age 7 and older) who are either: a) beginning their journey toward becoming a member of the Church, or b) have not received all the sacraments of initiation. These sacraments are: Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist. These are received at the Easter Vigil Mass on Holy Saturday evening.
Baptismal sponsors (godparents) must be 16 years of age or older. At least one sponsor must be Catholic, and have received the Sacrament of Confirmation. If the Catholic sponsor does not belong to the parish, a letter is needed from their parish stating that they are an active and practicing Catholic.