Baptism
“Holy Baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life, the gateway to life in the Spirit (vitae spiritualis ianua), 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.’” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1213)
Many Catholics receive the sacrament of baptism as infants, in the presence of his or her parents and godparents. Through the saving waters of baptism, Catholics believe that we are washed clean from the stain of original sin (caused by the sin of Adam and Eve). The grace we receive in baptism also makes us children of God the Father and welcomes us into the Catholic Church.
Baptism Inquiries
What are Sacraments?
As Catholics, we believe that the sacraments are, as St. Augustine put it, outward and visible signs of inward and invisible grace. Outwardly, the sacraments involve words and physical matter and actions, while inwardly they are the direct means by which we experience God’s grace in our lives. The sacraments are far more than mere rituals, or symbols of events that happened long ago; rather, they are a vital source of the help that God freely offers to aid us in our journey of faith.
Each of the seven sacraments was instituted by Jesus Christ, and they are the primary way for us to engage in our faith and grow in our relationship with God. The Father gave his Son out of absolute and perfect love for us, and in the sacraments we encounter the Son’s self-giving love. As we participate in the Church’s liturgies and receive the sacraments, the Holy Spirit works in us to make us more like Jesus.
The sacraments are at the heart of our Catholic faith, and we want to encourage you to receive the sacraments as often as you are able. If you have any questions or would like to receive any of the sacraments, please contact the parish office and we would be happy to assist you.