Baptism

Baptism is the first of the sacraments of initiation.

—CCC, NOS. 1210-1284

Baptism is birth into the new life in Christ. In accordance with the Lord’s will, it is necessary for salvation, as is the Church herself, which we enter by Baptism. —CCC, no. 1277

In Baptism, the Holy Spirit moves us to answer Christ's call to holiness. In Baptism, we are asked to walk by the light of Christ and to trust in his wisdom. We are invited to submit our hearts to Christ with ever deeper love.

~from the United States Catholic Catechism for Adults

Adult Baptism

For adults today, the Church, after the Second Vatican Council, has restored the order of the Catechumenate in the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults. It outlines the steps for the formation of catechumens, bringing their conversion to the faith to a greater maturity. It helps them respond more deeply to God's gracious initiative in their lives and prepares them for union with the Church community. This process is meant to form them into the fullness of the Christian life and to become disciples of Jesus, their teacher.

~from the United States Catholic Catechism for Adults

Baptism of Children

The baptism of a child is a very important celebration in the life of a church community. The parents rejoicing at the birth of their child want to share the child with the faith community of to which they belong. The parents bring the child to the church requesting baptism and asking that their child be received as a member of that specific faith community. The faith community in turn promises that it will share its faith with the child and help it grow in God's grace and holiness of life. The parents and sponsors accept the responsibility of bringing the child up in the practice of the faith assisted by the faith community.