Baptism

The Sacrament of Baptism is often called "the door of the Church", because it is the first of the seven sacraments, not only in time (since most Catholics receive it as infants) but in priority, since the reception of the other sacraments depends on it.

It is the first of the three Sacraments of Initiation, the other two being the Sacrament of Confirmation and the Sacrament of Holy Eucharist.

Once baptized, a person becomes a member of the Church. Traditionally, the rite of baptism was held outside the doors of the main part of the church, to signify this fact.

Baptism is the very mark of a Christian because it brings us into new life in Christ.

Baptism for Infants is for infants and children up to 6 years of age. If your child is 7 years or older, please see the next section.

• Parents and Godparents attend baptismal preparation classes.
• A Godparent must be a Catholic in good standing.  They must have completed their sacraments of Initiation and, if married, must be married in the Church.

• If your child is 7 years or older, they must attend Faith Formation classes for 2 years before being baptized.
• The Catholic Church believes that a child aged 7 years or older has reached the age of reason. Because a child has reached the age of reason, he/she will receive all three Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Eucharist, Confirmation) at the same time, usually during the Easter season.