• Baptismal promises - The family will gather around the Baptism font, which holds the water used for Baptism. The priest or deacon asks the parents what name they have given to their child and what do they ask for their child and they reply, "Baptism". Later, the parents make Baptism promises on behalf of their child. These promises are based on the Apostles Creed.

• Sign of the cross - The cross is a reminder of the love that Jesus Christ showed by giving his life for his friends. The tracing of a cross on the forehead of the person being baptised is an invisible "marking" that says "they belong to Jesus."  The priest or deacon will trace the cross on the forehead of the child and invite the parents and godparents to do the same.

• Word of God - As every liturgy is based around the word of God in Scripture there will be some readings from the Bible. The priest gives a short homily or reflection on the readings.

• Baptism with water - The priest pours water over the child’s head (or immerses the child in water) and says, "I baptise you in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit".  The water is a sign of life, because without water nothing can grow - a sign of the new spiritual life into which the baptized person is entering. It is also a sign of cleansing.

• Anointing with oil - The priest anoints the child on the chest with the oil of Baptism. After the Baptism, he anoints the child's forehead with the oil of Chrism.  The oil of Baptism (or Catechumens) is olive oil that has been specially blessed. It is associated with the days when athletes used to rub oil into their bodies before events to strengthen them and make their skin more supple. It symbolizes strengthening for the challenges of life ahead. The Oil of Chrism is a combination of olive oil and balsam and symbolizes the sealing with the Holy Spirit.

• White garment - The child is clothed in a white garment, which is a symbol of innocence. Sometimes families like to use a christening gown or shawl that has been used by previous generations, while others will use a white baptismal gown, a stole or white bib.

• Candle - A candle will be lit as a sign of this new life. It is usually lit from the Easter Candle, which symbolizes the light of Christ and it will be held by a parent or godparent. 

• Baptismal certificate - At the end of the ceremony the parents are given a baptismal certificate which they keep as a record of their child's initiation into the Church and in preparation for future sacraments.

Baptism is the first of the three “Sacraments of Christian Initiation.”  Confirmation and Eucharist are the others.  Baptism welcomes the person into the family of God and membership in the Body of Christ.  It is a sacrament we celebrate only once.

Baptism is the greatest gift a person can receive, whether as an infant, child, or adult. Baptism frees us from sin and starts us on our life-long journey to know and love God.  Baptism is not something to “get done” because of family tradition.  It is the entry into a Catholic Christian community and a life of faith in Jesus Christ.  This is why the Catholic Church encourages baptism in infancy rather than waiting until a child can choose for his/herself.  Why deprive a child of God’s special love and a good start in a life of faith by delaying baptism until later?

Baptism is usually celebrated at any Mass (limited to two) on any weekend in each of our Churches except during Lent. Parents must attend the pre-Baptism classes prior to the Baptism.  If you would like to discuss having a baptism, please fill out the form below.  The Pastoral Office will reach out to arrange a time to meet with our Pastor.