Sacrament of Baptism

baptism 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. The rite of Baptism consists in immersing the candidate in water, or pouring water on the head, while pronouncing the invocation of the Most Holy Trinity: the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit." (Catechism of the Catholic Church - glossary)

Contact your local parish for the Sacrament of Baptism

According to Canon Law:

Canon 851

It is necessary that the celebration of baptism be properly prepared. Thus:

1. an adult who intends to receive baptism is to be admitted to the catechumenate and, to the extent possible, be led through the several stages to sacramental initiation, in accord with the order of initiation adapted by the conference of bishops and the special norms published by it;

2. the parents of an infant who is to be baptized and likewise those who are to

undertake the office of sponsor are to be properly instructed in the meaning of

this sacrament and the obligations which are attached to it; personally or through

thers the pastor to see to it that the parents are properly formed by pastoral

directions and by common prayer, gathering several families together and

where possible visiting them.

Canon 872

Insofar as possible one to be baptized is to be given a sponsor who is to assist an adult in Christian initiation, or together with the parents, to present an infant at the baptism, and who will help the baptized to lead a Christian life in harmony with baptism, and to fulfill faithfully the obligations connected with it.

Canon 874

1. To be admitted to the role of sponsor, a person must:

1. be designated by the one to be baptized, by the parents or the one who takes

their place or, in their absence, by the pastor or minister and is to have the

qualifications and intention of performing this role.

2. have completed the sixteenth year, unless a different age ha been established

by the diocesan bishop or it seems to the pastor or minister that an exception is

to be made for a just cause.

3. be a Catholic who has been confirmed and has already received the

sacrament of the Most Holy Eucharist and leads a life in harmony with the faith

and the role to be under taken.

4. not be bound by any canonical penalty legitimately imposed or declared;