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.”

Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) 1213

As good parents you care for the physical and emotional needs of your child, and as Christian parents you will care for the spiritual needs of your son or daughter by presenting your child for Baptism. Baptism is the foundational sacrament of Christian life and for membership in God’s Church. Jesus Christ, while on the cross, gave us Baptism from the very waters that poured from his pierced heart, and in this sacrament we see how much God truly loves us. The Sacrament of Baptism has profound and eternal effects.

When a person is baptized he or she is:

  • Made a new creation, an adopted son or daughter of God, who has become partaker of the divine nature. – CCC 1265
  • A member of the Body of Christ, the Church. – CCC 1267
  • Freed from the power of darkness and is brought into the realm of the freedom of the children of God. – CCC 1250
  • Able to believe in God, to hope in him, and to love him through the theological virtues; Given the power to love and act under the prompting of the Holy Spirit through the gifts of the Holy Spirit; Helped to grow in the goodness through the moral virtues. – CCC 1266

Preparation for Baptism

Preparation for the sacrament of Baptism based on age of the child:

Scheduling a Baptism

Baptisms are typically scheduled on the 3rd Sunday of the month either during or after the 11:30am Mass.

Parents must be registered members of St. Mary Magdalene for at least three months, attend Mass regularly, identify your tithe either online or with a check or an envelope with your name on it, and participate in ministry as a member of our parish family.

Baptism Preparation classes are held once a month. These classes are for parents as well as godparents.

BAPTISM INFORMATION AND REGISTRATION

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Bishop Barron on the Sacrament of Baptism

11-03-2024

The first of the seven sacraments, and the “door” which gives access to the other sacraments. Baptism is the first and chief sacrament of forgiveness of sins because it unites us with Christ, who died for our sins and rose for our justification. Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist constitute the “sacraments of initiation” by which a believer receives the remission of original and personal sin, begins a new life in Christ and the Holy Spirit, and is incorporated into the Church, the Body of Christ.