The parents of newborn infants are encouraged to present their children to the church soon after birth for the Sacrament of Baptism. In baptism the Catholic Church has always understood that the child, freed from original sin, becomes an heir to the Kingdom of God, receiving the virtues of faith, hope and charity and the gifts and fruits of the Holy Spirit. Through baptism the child has access to the other church sacraments.

Saint Peter explained what happens at baptism, “Do penance, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ, for the remission of your sins: and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.” (Acts 2:38). He did not restrict this teaching only to adults, “For the promise is to you, and to your children, and to all that are far off, whomsoever the Lord our God shall call.” (2:39). Further, we also read: “Rise up, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, invoking his name.” (Acts 22:16). These commands of Baptism are universal, and not restricted to adults.  They make clear the connection between baptism and salvation. “Our baptism is not a putting away of outward defilement; it is the test which assures us of a good conscience before God, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.” (1 Pt 3:21)

Please call our parish office in advance to make arrangements for an infant baptism.

Detailed information on the Church’s teaching on baptism can be found here.

Holy Baptism holds the first place among the sacraments, because it is the door of the spiritual life; for by it we are made members of Christ and incorporated with the Church. And since through the first man death entered into all, unless we be born again of water and the Holy Ghost, we can not enter into the kingdom of Heaven, as Truth Himself has told us. The matter of this sacrament is true and natural water; and it is indifferent whether it be cold or hot. The form is: I baptize thee in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost. We do not, however, deny that the words: Let this servant of Christ be baptized in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost; or: This person is baptized by my hands in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost, constitute true baptism; because since the principal cause from which baptism has its efficacy is the Holy Trinity, and the instrumental cause is the minister who confers the sacrament exteriorly, then if the act exercised by the minister be expressed, together with the invocation of the Holy Trinity, the sacrament is perfected. The minister of this sacrament is the priest, to whom it belongs to baptize, by reason of his office. In case of necessity, however, not only a priest or deacon, but even a layman or woman, nay, even a pagan or heretic can baptize, provided he observes the form used by the Church, and intends to perform what the Church performs. The effect of this sacrament is the remission of all sin, original and actual; likewise of all punishment which is due for sin. As a consequence, no satisfaction for past sins is enjoined upon those who are baptized; and if they die before they commit any sin, they attain immediately to the kingdom of heaven and the vision of God.   – “Exultate Deo" of Pope Eugene IV