The sacrament of Baptism is the first of the initiation sacraments of the Catholic Church. Through this sacrament, we receive grace, a share in God's own life.  This grace enables us to live as disciples of Christ as we are purified and renewed by the waters of Baptism.

Through Baptism, we are freed from Original Sin, become children of God, and welcomed into the Church, the Body of Christ.  We are sealed, or forever marked, with the sign of faith as belonging to Christ and have the hope of living in God's love forever.

It is always a joyous occasion for the community of faith to welcome new members into the Church.  The sacrament of Baptism is a communal celebration where the entire faith community comes together as the Body of Christ.
 

"Holy Baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life, the gateway to life in the Spirit (vitae spiritualis ianua), and the door which gives access to the other sacraments. Through Baptism we are freed from sin and are incorporated into the Church and made sharers in her mission: 'Baptism is the sacrament of regeneration through water in the word.'" --Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1213
 

How old should my child be to be baptized? 
Under ordinary circumstances, parents should see to the Baptism of their infants within the first few weeks/months: “As soon as possible after birth, even before it, they are to approach the parish to ask for the sacrament for their child and to be themselves prepared for it” (Canon #876). The first consideration in determining the time is the welfare of the child. If the child is sickly, the Baptism should not be unduly delayed.

For children under the age of 6 contact:   Fr. Edison Bernavas, I.C.   352-683-2849