What is Baptism

What is Baptism?  Baptism is the sacrament of initiation that welcomes a person into the Catholic Church. The Catechism of the Catholic Church gives a good definition of Baptism.  “Holy Baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life, the gateway to life in the Spirit, and the door that gives access to the other sacraments. Through Baptism we are freed from sin and reborn as children of God; we become members of Christ and are incorporated into the Church and made sharers in her mission: ‘Baptism is the sacrament of regeneration through water and the word.’” (CCC 1213)

What is a sacrament?  There are seven sacraments, and Baptism is the first of three sacraments of initiation: Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist. By these three sacraments we are fully initiated into the Catholic Church. Sacraments are important to Catholics and are outward signs of God’s love that point to an inward reality of God’s grace. They were instituted by Christ and entrusted to the Church. Each sacrament provides spiritual strength to grow in holiness.

What is the sanctifying grace received at Baptism?  At Baptism water is poured over the child three times in the name of the Blessed Trinity–Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. At Baptism each one becomes a member of God’s Church forever and is flooded with faith, hope, and love. Baptism also washes away original sin and enables us to live forever for Christ. Baptism leaves a spiritual mark permanently on the person who is forever united to Christ.

How should a godparent be selected?  A godparent in the Rite of Baptism is to be a role model to assist the parents to raise the baptized child in the practice of the Catholic Faith. A godparent must be an active Catholic who is at least 16 years of age and has received the sacrament of Confirmation. A non-Catholic Christian may be a witness to the Baptism, but only with a Catholic sponsor. If a child has two godparents, as is customary, one is to be male and the other female, according to the Catholic Church’s law.

What is the Baptism Process?

Step One:  Fill out the online form.

Step Two:  Andrew Genovese, our pastoral assistant, will be in touch to answer your questions and explain next steps.

Step Three:  Attend the Baptism Preparation Session. Possible dates will be provided.

Step Four:  Celebrate the Baptism Day. Arrive 15 minutes early.

What is the best preparation for Baptism?  Many families ask how they should prepare. The best preparation is to attend Mass together regularly and so be nourished by Christ in the Eucharist. Daily prayer at home. A wonderful opportunity is to pray grace before meals. At Holy Name Parish the 9:00am Sunday Mass is a Family Mass, where all ages gather.

Website Resources for Families
Family Rosary  https://www.familyrosary.org/how-to-pray-the-rosary
This website will help guide your family to pray the Rosary. The Rosary is a prayer of peace and is dedicated to Mary, the Mother of God.

Family Prayer Resources  https://www.familyrosary.org/family-rosary-prayers
This website provides a variety of sources for praying as a family. One of these is an online sign- up for family prayers to be sent to your email.

Family Prayer Blog  https://blog.familyrosary.org/
This blog will help guide your family with information, resources, and ways to pray at home.