Baptism
Amen, amen, I say to you, no one can enter the kingdom of God without being born of water and Spirit. (John 3:5)
The sacrament of baptism ushers us into the divine life, cleanses us from sin, and initiates us as members of the Christian community. It is the foundation for the sacramental life.
At baptism, the presider prays over the water:
Father, look now with love upon your Church, and unseal for her the fountain of baptism. By the power of the Holy Spirit give to this water the grace of your Son, so that in the sacrament of baptism all those whom you have created in your likeness may be cleansed from sin and rise to a new birth of innocence by water and the Holy Spirit. (Christian Initiation of Adults, #222A)
Freed from Sin
Baptism frees us from the bondage of original and actual sin. Water is poured in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Today, the sacrament of baptism is often performed on infants, shortly after birth. Adult baptisms take place at the Easter Vigil through the restored Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults. Adults or children who have been baptized in a valid Christian church are not baptized again in the Catholic church. As we say in the Nicene Creed, “I confess one Baptism for the forgiveness of sins…”
Baptismal Symbols
- Water – The waters of baptism recall Jesus’ own baptism by John the Baptist in the Jordan river. Water is a symbol of cleansing and renewal as we begin a new life in Christ. We are washed clean of sin.
- Oil – At baptism we are anointed into the life of Christ as “priest, prophet and king.” A cross is traced on the candidate’s forehead as a reminder that we are inheritors of the Kingdom of God.
- Light – The baptismal candle is lit from the Paschal or Easter candle that stands in the church as a sign of Christ’s light in the world. At baptism, we receive the light of Christ and are called forth to share this light with the world.
- White garment – The white garment that is placed upon us at baptism is a symbol of Christ’s victory over death and his glorious resurrection. Likewise, the white garment or pall that is placed over the coffin at the time of death recalls our baptismal promises and reminds us that we are destined for eternal life.
In case of necessity, any person can baptize provided that he has the intention of doing that which the Church does and provided that he pours water on the candidates head while saying: “I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit" (CCC 1284).
Registering your child for Baptism:
Registration
Please start the registration process at least 3 weeks in advance; only the child's parents can initiate the process. At the time of registration, parents must present the child's original Birth Certificate and pay the registration fee.
Baptism Dates
Spanish Services:
St. Peter - 2nd & 4th Sunday of the month
St. Anthony - 3rd Sunday of the month
St. Charles - 1st Sunday of the month
English Services:
St. Peter - 1st Sunday of the month
Godparents
- Godparents must be married through the Catholic Church (proof of religious marriage required) OR Single and Catholic not affected by any canonical penalty.
- One Male and One Female Godparent.
Baptismal Class
Parents and Godparents must attend a baptismal class prior to the baptism date; the parish office will provide at the time of registration the date and time of class you are to attend.
If you are not baptizing at any of our parishes: ALL Baptism class attendees need to registration in person at the parish office first in order to attend the class and pay the fees due $25.00 per person to be able to get your class certification of attendance.
NO WALK-INS ACCEPTED on the day of the class without previous registrations.
Fees
Registration - $150
Certificate - $10
Baptismal Classes (ONLY) - $25 per person.
Payment Method -
Cash or check only
For more information regarding baptisms, please contact Parish office by calling 415-282-1652 ext.101
