Baptism

Baptism is the gateway to life in Jesus Christ and gives access to the other sacraments. Through Baptism, we are initiated into the faith, we are freed from sin, become children of God, and are incorporated into what St. Paul called the Body of Christ – the Church.

Water is an essential element of Baptism. The priest or deacon pours water on the person’s head (or immerses the person in water) three times. This is accompanied by the words, “I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,” matching each pouring or immersion with the invocation of each of the Divine Persons. This ritual of pouring or immersion shows us that our sins are washed away and we emerge cleansed from sin and filled with divine life through this sacrament.

The origin and foundation of Baptism is Jesus. Before beginning his public ministry, Jesus asked for baptism. Jesus did not need purification from sin, but voluntarily submitted to it to give us an example of faithfulness to the will of God.

to register for Baptism classes please call the office at (830) 988-2255