The Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) instructs us as follows with regard to the sacrament of Baptism: Holy Baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life, the gateway to life in the Spirit (vitae spiritualis ianua), and the door which gives access to the other sacraments. Through Baptism we are freed from sin and reborn as sons of God; we become members of Christ, are incorporated into the Church and made sharers in her mission: “Baptism is the sacrament of regeneration through water in the word.” – CCC 1213
From Canon Law, we have the following instruction regarding infant baptism. Parents are obliged to take care that infants are baptized in the first few weeks; as soon as possible after the birth or even before it, they are to go to the pastor to request the sacrament for their child and to be prepared properly for it. Can. 867 §1
An infant in danger of death is to be baptized without delay. §2.
We welcome all parents seeking baptism for their children, regardless of the age of the child. We usually celebrate baptism once per month following the 12:00 p.m. Mass. Please call the parish office for specific dates and times. For infant baptisms, you are encouraged to contact the parish office early in the pregnancy for dates of baptismal instruction. Contact Dawn Della Bella to schedule baptismal preparation classes.
For those adults and children over the age of 7 who desire baptism, it is necessary to enroll in the “Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults” (RCIA). This semi-year round process helps prepare candidates for full initiation into the Catholic Church.
Please contact Dawn Della Bella (ddellabella@stmm.org) for more information, or visit https://stmm.org/becoming-a-catholic/