Baptism - Sacrament of Christian Initiation
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Video Prep for Baptism
Go, therefore, and make disciples of 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. -Matthew 28:19-20
Amen, amen, I say to you, no one can enter the kingdom of God without being born of water and Spirit. -John 3:5
RESOURCE: Helping Parents Raise Great Children- Season 1 -A Must See
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Why does the Church practice infant Baptism?
From antiquity the Church has practiced infant Baptism. There is one reason for this: before we decide on God, God has decided on us. Baptism is therefore a grace, an undeserved gift of God, who accepts us unconditionally. Believing parents who want what is best for their child want Baptism also, in which the child is freed from the influence of original sin and the power of death. [CCC 1250, 1282]
Infant Baptism presupposes that Christian parents will raise the baptized child in the faith. It is an injustice to deprive the child of Baptism out of a mistaken liberality. One cannot deprive a child of love so that he can later decide on love for himself; so too it would be an injustice if believing parents were to deprive their child of God's grace in Baptism. Just as every person is born with the ability to speak yet must learn a language, so too every person is born with the capacity to believe but must become acquainted with the faith. At any rate, Baptism can never be imposed on anyone. If someone has received Baptism as a little child, he must "ratify" it later in life—this means he must say Yes to it, so that it becomes fruitful. (YouCat 197)
The baptism of your child is a privileged moment for your entire family and we rejoice with you as we welcome them into the Catholic faith. In this sacrament, you affirm that you will raise your child in the Catholic faith and the community promises to assist you with that responsibility.
Infants and young children (under six years of age) are usually baptized in a group celebration. We assist parents and families in preparation for the Rite of Baptism by guiding them through the communal Baptism liturgy. The pastoral staff and baptismal team are ready to assist you and want to do all they can to make your child’s Baptism as special and as meaningful as possible. The Baptism Guidelines will be helpful in answering some of your initial questions.
Families with children who are not baptized and are at least 6 years of age may enter them in regular Religious Education Classes to receive religious instruction and be with their peers. The child will begin this initiation process with family and godparents invited to walk the faith journey with them. It is a 2 year journey leading to reception of the Sacrament of Baptism. The children are then invited to come back to Religious Education classes to continue their faith development as they grow in understanding of what it means to be catholic and have a relationship with Jesus Christ.
For additional information about guidelines for the Sacrament of Baptism, contact the Parish Center at 337-783-2968. -
Baptism is:
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The first of all the sacraments.
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It removes the stain of original sin from Adam & Eve.
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It makes us a beloved child of God.
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It makes us a member of the Body of Christ.
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It gives us a share in God’s divine life.
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It imparts a seal or indelible mark on our soul which designates us as a Christian.
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It clothes us with Christ.
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It imparts the theological virtues of faith, hope, and charity.
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We also receive the cardinal virtues of prudence, justice, temperance, and fortitude.
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We receive the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit: wisdom, understanding, knowledge, counsel, fortitude, piety, and fear of the Lord.
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Baptism washes away all stain of sin, but leaves a weakness or attraction to sin called concupiscence.
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I want to have my child baptized,
what does it entail?- A desire to grow in holiness yourself as the parent(s).
- A short baptismal class (if this is your first child)
- Choose godparents worth imitating and can intercede for the godchild if their spiritual life is ever at risk.
- Make an appointment to talk with the pastor at 337-783-2968 or [email protected]. It's a good idea to connect with him during the pregnancy to begin planning, however our pastor is available to help with any special requirements that might be involved for your situation.
- Gather & prepare the papers to present for Baptism:
1) Candidate's Request for Baptism
2) Copy of the candidate's birth certificate
3) Sponsor's Eligibility Form
4) Letter in Good Standing from the pastor of the Catholic Church they attend with their offical seal (only necessary if sponsor is from another parish)
5) Sponsor's updated baptismal certificate - After all paperwork and video education are completed, the pastor will meet with the parents on the week (usually the Friday) before the Sacrament of Baptism is scheduled. Baptisms are most often held on the First Saturday of each month, following the 4:00 p.m. Mass in Lyons Point.
- Know that Catholics everywhere are happy to hear the good news of welcoming another child of God into the family!
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The Sacrament of Baptism
Holy Baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life, the gateway to life in the Spirit, 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.
Catechism of the Catholic Church 1213
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