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. (Matthew 28:19)
The sacrament of Baptism is the foundation of, and the initial step into, the Christian life. It is the first of the seven sacraments of the Catholic Church. Along with the sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist, it makes up the sacraments of Christian Initiation.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches that the word baptism comes from the Greek baptizein, which means to "plunge" or "immerse" into water. Through the sacrament of Baptism we are freed from original sin, reborn as a child of God, become members of Christ, and are incorporated into the family of the Catholic Church. (CCC 1213)
Baptism of Infants
Infant baptism (up to 6 years of age) is celebrated on the 2nd and 4th Sundays each month except during Lent when no baptisms are held. Some baptisms occur during a regularly scheduled Mass and others occur after the Mass. You will receive information about, and a schedule of, upcoming infant baptism dates and times at the required Baptism Preparation Class. Due to the size of our parish, and the importance of celebrating as a faith community, we do not offer private infant baptisms. Your child may be baptized with several other children.
Godparents
The role of a godparent is to help you in raising your child in the Catholic faith as representatives of the faith community. We encourage you to choose godparents who will take their role seriously. Your child may have two godparents. If there are two, then one must be male and the other female. Godparents must be at least 16 years of age and at least one of the godparents must be a confirmed Catholic.
Baptism of Adults and Children of Catechetical Age
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) offers classes for adults and children aged 6 or older into full communion with the Catholic Church through the receipt of the sacraments of Christian Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist).
To learn more about receiving the sacrament of Baptism as an adult or child of catechetical age, visit the RCIA page.
Baptism Preparation Class
Both parents and godparents must attend a Baptism Preparation Class prior to their child's baptism. Classes are held on the 2nd Tuesday of each month at 7:00 PM for both parents and godparents. Current and upcoming classes appear in the Calendar. Complimentary childcare is available. If a godparent is not able to attend at SS. Peter & Paul, they may arrange with us to attend a similar preparation class at a parish of their choice. To register for an upcoming class, Contact Us or submit the following.
