Baptism literally means to wash or to immerse from the Greek baptizo. Thus, it is the visible rite by which original sin, all personal sins, and all punishment due to sin are washed away. Through baptism, your child will be incorporated into Christ’s Church and into the very being of Jesus Christ, therefore becoming a daughter or son of God the Father and a Temple of the Holy Spirit. So deep is this entrance into the inner life of the Blessed Trinity that an indelible, or permanent, mark is left on the soul. Having been washed clean of all sin, the baptized person is created anew and receives an infusion of sanctifying grace and supernatural gifts and virtues through which the person may reveal God’s being and glory to others. Through this sanctifying grace, God Himself comes to dwell within each baptized person and offers them eternal salvation. As parents and godparents, we are entrusted with the very life of our children and godchildren. This is an awesome responsibility, but it is one that God has prepared us for through our own Baptism. With so much goodness at stake, it is no surprise that our Lord was so eager to share His life with us by commanding us to “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.” (Mt 28:19) May God continue to bless you and your family as you embark on this journey with Christ with your children!

During this COVID crisis, please be assured that we are taking all necessary precautions to ensure the safety and well-being of all who attend Baptisms. We conduct regular sanitation of the Church before and after each Baptism, we require everyone to wear a mask in the Church, we physically separate all who attend (alternating pews) to maintain adequate distancing, all of the materials used in the Baptism will be new, the Holy Water will be fresh water and will be blessed during the service for each child and the priest or deacon will wear protective gear during the Baptism.

If you would like to read more about Baptism, click here.

Also, don't miss out on Bishop Barron's talk about the Sacrament of Baptism in the video below.