Baptism
Gateway to other sacraments and the spiritual life.
We welcome our parishioners to have their newborn children baptized as soon as possible at Saint Francis Xavier Cathedral. Baptism is the first of the sacraments and the gateway to the other sacraments and to the spiritual life.
The Catholic Church holds true Our Lord’s words that the Sacrament of Baptism is necessary for salvation. Baptism puts a special seal on a person’s soul, making them an adopted child of God. The other effects of Baptism are:
- Removes the stain of Original Sin, forgives any actual sins and removes the temporal punishment for any actual sins
- Infuses the gifts of the Holy Spirit into the soul
- Infuses the theological virtues of faith, hope and charity into the soul
- Makes them a member of the Church – the Body of Christ
When parents bring their child to the Church to be baptized, they are making a solemn promise to God that they will raise their child in the Catholic faith. It is important for parents to realize that the living out of this promise involves their own practice of the faith through their dedication to prayer, weekly Mass attendance and living the sacramental life of the Church.
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…”
The Catechism teaches:
"The fruit of Baptism, or baptismal grace, is a rich reality that includes forgiveness of original sin and all personal sins, birth into the new life by which man becomes an adoptive son of the Father, a member of Christ and a temple of the Holy Spirit. By this very fact the person baptized is incorporated into the Church, the Body of Christ, and made a sharer in the priesthood of Christ" (CCC 1279).
Godparents:
Parents will need to choose Godparents for the new baby. A Godparent must be able to assist the parents in the education of the child in the Catholic faith through support, encouragement and prayer. At least one Godparent must be Catholic and meet all of the following criteria:
- Must be at least 16 years of age
- Must be fully initiated into membership in the Catholic Church through the Sacraments of Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation
- Must be an active, participating member of a Catholic Parish – attending Mass weekly and living the sacramental life of the Church
- If married, the marriage must be recognized by the Catholic Church
- A person that is not Catholic may not serve as a Godparent, but may take the role of a Christian witness.
To submit a request to arrange the sacrament of Baptism
Baptism for Children Younger than the Age of Reason (Below age 8):
The procedure for getting your child (under the age of 8) baptized is the same as for infants. Please contact the parish office to schedule your Baptism Preparation Sessions.
Baptism for Children Older than the Age of Reason (Age 8 or above):
Please contact the parish office to get your information to the RCIA coordinator. Children at age 7 or 8 and older will receive instruction in the Catholic faith to be received into the Church and receive all of their Sacraments of Initiation – Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist.
Who to Contact:
First-time Parents: Please contact the parish office several months before your baby is due or shortly after the birth to arrange a time to attend your Baptism Preparation Sessions. The Baptism will be scheduled after the completion of this time of Baptism Preparation.
“Repeat” Parents: Please contact the parish office shortly before or after the child’s birth to arrange a date and time for the Baptism. Any need for further Baptism Preparation Sessions will be at the discretion of the Cathedral Pastor.