Baptism
Through the sacrament of Baptism, the Christian community welcomes new members into its midst. The child or adult baptized is born again through faith in Jesus Christ in the Holy Spirit. Holy Baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life, the gateway to life in the Spirit, and the door, which gives access to the other sacraments. Through Baptism we are freed from sin and reborn as sons and daughters of God; we become members of Christ, are incorporated into the Church and made sharers in her mission of proclaiming Christ to the world and of service to our neighbor. (See the Catechism of the Catholic Church 1213) The celebration of the baptism is a joyful occasion that leads to a life of formation in the Christian way of life.
The Catholic Church celebrates baptism two different ways, depending on the age of the one being baptized:
- The Rite of Baptism for Children, is for newborn infants and for children who have not yet reached the “age of reason” or “catechetical age,” when they can profess their own personal faith (at their age level). This age is usually understood to be around age seven, but some children are ready at a slightly earlier age or somewhat older age. Khristy Scheer, the Director of Children’s Faith Formation or Fr. Christopher Senk, Pastor, will be able to assist you in determining the readiness of the child to be formed in the faith before the celebration of Baptism. If your child has the abilities of children who are receiving first communion, he or she should be prepared to celebrate baptism through the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (adapted for children).
- The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults is the second way in which children and adults are prepared to celebrate the sacrament of Baptism.