The Sacrament of Baptism

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 of God; we become members of Christ, are incorporated into the Church and made sharers in her mission: “Baptism is the sacrament of regeneration through water in the word.” (CCC 1213)

Why is this sacrament called Baptism?

This sacrament is called Baptism, after the central rite by which it is carried out: to baptize (in Greek it is baptizein) means to “plunge” or “immerse”; the “plunge” into the water symbolizes the catechumen’s burial into Christ’s death, from which he rises up by resurrection with him, as “a new creature.” (CCC 1214)

Where do you find baptism and infant baptism in the Bible?

From the Gospels:

  • Mt 8:5 servant healed because centurion’s faith
  • Mt 15:21daughter healed because of Canaanite woman’s faith
  • Mk 10:14-let children come; to such belongs the kingdom of God
  • Lk 18:15 people were bringing even infants to him
  • Lk 7:1 just say the word, and let my servant be healed
  • Jn 3:5; Mk 16:16- Baptism is required for entering heaven

From other New Testament books:

  • 1 Cor 1:16 – I baptized the household of Stephanas
  • 1 Cor 15:21-22-in Adam all die, in Christ all are made alive
  • Col 2:11-12- baptism has replaced circumcision
  • Jos 24:15 - as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord
  • Acts 16:15 – she was baptized, with all her household
  • Acts 16:31- believe in the Lord Jesus and you and your house will be saved
  • Acts 16:33 – he and all his family were baptized at once

From the early Church:

  • St Hippolytus of Rome (c.215 AD) “Baptize first the children; and if they can speak for themselves, let them do so. Otherwise, let their parents or other relatives speak for them.” The Apostolic Tradition 21
  • Origen (post 244 AD) : “the Church received from the Apostles the tradition of giving baptism also to infants.” Commentary on Romans 5,9
  • In 252 AD, the Council of Carthage condemned the opinion that infants must wait the eighth day after birth to be baptized, as was the case with circumcision. St Cyprian of Carthage, Letter 64(59),2.

*Why do we reference the Early Church?

We have included references to the early Church to highlight the continuity of thought and practice from the earliest days of the Christian community down through the ages to the current age we find ourselves within, the Church is One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic and these four marks have remained with the Church and mark her members who remain faithful to the teaching authority of the Magisterium and her members.

The Sacrament of Baptism at Saint Michael the Archangel Church

Being faithful to the mission to preach the Gospel to the whole world and reaching out to save souls through the cleansing waters of Baptism this sacrament has a great importance in the lives of the faithful here at St Michael. Baptism is usually conferred upon infants who’s parents wish to have their children raised in the faith and reared as God loving individuals who will someday come to reign with God in heaven. Due to the current age in which we live we have a number of adults and young adults who have reached the age of reason and have requested to be baptized as members of Christ’s Church.

For Parents who wish to have their children baptized:

There is a class required before scheduling the baptism. In this class the basics of the sacrament will be covered including the unfolding of the actual rite and the obligations the parents are taking upon themselves in having their children become sons/daughters of God our Father. Please call the office to register for a class and then to request a date for a baptism or fill out the Baptism Form online. Baptisms for infants are held on the 1st and 3rd Sundays of the month at 2:00pm.

IT IS STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO ATTEND THE CLASS BEFORE THE CHILD IS BORN!

Other details to keep in mind:

St Michael Church follows the Church’s guidelines:

  • *Only those children who it is presumed will be raised Catholic may be baptized
  • The presumption rests chiefly on the parent’s practice of the faith
  • *Parents must attend one preparation class, which is offered on the second Sunday of the month at 2:00pm. Godparents are strongly encouraged to attend.
  • *Only one sponsor is required, although two are traditional. The sponsor must be a baptized, confirmed, and practicing Catholic at least 16 years of age.
  • Baptized non-Catholics may be Christian witnesses, but not sponsors.

For Adults who wish to be Baptized:

The process by which an adult comes into the Christian community is called the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults, RCIA. This introduction and immersion into the teachings of the Christian faith and community begins in the fall and concludes with the Easter Vigil where an individual comes into full communion with the Catholic Church. This program is directed by Dcn John Crerand. Please call the Parish office to register for RCIA.

For parents of Children who have reached the age of reason:

(usually defined as the age of 7, where a child knows the difference between what is right and what is wrong)

If you are seeking to have your child baptized and the child is of the age of reason please call the parish office and ask to to speak with the Director of the Parish School of Religion. Your child will be offered the opportunity to learn the basics of the Christian faith so as to be able to make a commitment proper to their age and yet know what it means to become a part of the Christian community.