What is Baptism?
Baptism is the beginning of life --- supernatural, sacred life. Through Baptism, we are welcomed into his Church, become part of the Christian community as sons and daughters of God, and heirs of heaven. Water is used to baptize, and can be poured on the head, or an adult may be fully submerged during baptism
Why is Baptism important?
When accepting God’s gift of baptism, we not only receive his sanctifying grace, our original sin disappears as God becomes present in the soul. By Baptism we are given the power, joy and obligation to share with Christ all of those things that pertain to divine worship: the Mass and the Sacraments of the Church.
Who can be Baptized?
Anyone who has not already been baptized may seek Baptism. Traditionally, infants are baptized and welcomed into the Church not long after birth. Adults who have never been baptized can be baptized through the RCIA program . If you have already been baptized in another Christian tradition, your Baptism may already be valid - contact our office to discuss these situations.
To schedule a Baptism at our parish, please contact the parish office.
Parents must complete a Sacrament Preparation program prior to scheduling date of Baptism. (The exception to this is if you have had three or more children baptized here at St. Mary Magdalene.) It's never too early to start the preparation process. Many parents find that starting the process in the last trimester of pregnancy can help with time management!
“By Baptism all sins are forgiven, original sin and all personal sins, as well as all punishment for sin.66 In those who have been reborn nothing remains that would impede their entry into the Kingdom of God, neither Adam's sin, nor personal sin, nor the consequences of sin, the gravest of which is separation from God.” - CCC 1263