Jesus said, "Go, …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. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age" (Mt 28:19-20).
The meaning of Jesus' command has been enunciated in The Catechism of the Catholic Church: "Holy 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 her mission" (CCC 1213).
For both infants and adults, "faith must grow after Baptism...For the grace of Baptism to unfold, the parents' help is important. So, too, is the role of the Godfather and Godmother, who must be firm believers, able and ready to help the newly baptized — child or adult — on the road of Christian life" (CCC 1254-1255).
Baptism preparation is required of all parents prior to the celebration of Baptism (the exception would be parents who have recently attended a preparation session for another child). Please contact one of the priests or deacons to arrange for Baptism preparation as well as scheduling the celebration. For adults who are seeking Baptism, go to RCIA (the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults).
