Baptism
About the Sacrament
The Sacrament of Baptism is the first of the seven sacraments of the Church, instituted by Jesus Christ himself. After his Resurrection, Jesus told his apostles to "Go and teach 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" (Mt 28: ). From that day forward, the Church has remained faithful to that great commission. In the Sacrament of Baptism, a person is transformed into a new creation, cleansed of original sin, and given a share in God's life. Baptism has been called an "enlightenment," a "purification," and a re-birth into eternal life.
Because of original sin, we come into the world with a soul which is supernaturally dead. The supernatural life which is the result of God’s personal and intimate indwelling, is absent from the soul.
Baptism is the sacrament of faith which has the Risen Christ as its source, and which is the antidote to original sin. Intimately linked to Confirmation and to Eucharist, Baptism is, with these two sacraments, Christian Initiation.
Baptism at SFDS
For parents who have experienced the birth of a new child, congratulations! Contacting the rectory as soon as possible - even before the birth of the child - is the best option for scheduling the baptism and completing the necessary preparation.
Each child may have one or two sponsors/godparents (if two, they must be a male and a female), who are practicing Catholics. Along with one Catholic godparent, a child may have a “Christian witness” (a person baptized in a non-Catholic denomination).
Catholics who are not registered members of our parish must obtain a letter of eligibility from the parish in which they are registered and practice.
To register your child for baptism, click the register button and follow instructions.
Godparents
Becoming a godparent is an important task in the eyes of the church and for the family requesting this. The first role of a godparent is to serve a liturgical function. For infants, this means making the profession of faith in their name. For adults, this means attesting to their growth in virtue and Christian discipleship before the bishop and the larger Catholic community. Godparents for adult converts often serve as a resource and source of encouragement as the person journeys to Baptism and beyond.
A godparent must be at least 16 years of age, a practicing Catholic who has received Confirmation and First Communion, and, if married, be married within the Catholic Church.The Church requires each person to have one godparent, and encourages two, but also supplies the option that a baptized practicing Christian of another denomination can stand in the place of a second godparent. This role is called the "Christian witness."
If you have been asked to serve as a Godparent/sponsor for someone's Baptism or Confirmation and need more information, please contact us here.
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is a process of ritualized conversion in which an adult or adolescent is integrated into the life of the Catholic Church. The culmination of the RCIA is the celebration of the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and First Communion at the Easter Vigil Mass.
The RCIA is a process that consists of a period of inquiry, catechumenate, purification and enlightenment, sacraments of initiation, and mystagogy, which is a period in which the mysteries of salvation are unfolded in a deeper way for the newly baptized.
To register for more information and join the RCIA journey, click below and follow instructions. A member of the parish will be in touch with you shortly.
But when they believed Philip as he proclaimed the good news of the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.
-Acts 8:12