Baptism
“Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.”
MT 28:19-28
“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
BAPTISM AT ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST
When are Baptisms celebrated?
-
English: 4th Saturday of every month at 10 a.m., or by personal scheduling with priest.
-
Spanish: 1st and 3rd Saturdays of every month at 10 a.m.
Baptism Classes – $25 per person in attendance
Parents and godparents must attend a baptism preparation class prior to a child’s baptism. We offer two classes in English, one for those who have never taken a baptism class before on the first Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m., and one for those who have already taken the baptism class once, which is by appointment or regularly on the 4th Sunday of the month from 2-3:30 PM.
Our Spanish baptism class is on the first Thursday of each month at 7:00 p.m. Pre-registration is required and can be completed online.
Requirements:
Godparents must be confirmed Catholics living a life in harmony with the Catholic faith. Proof of Confirmation and, if applicable, marriage in the Catholic Church must be provided.
Baptism is the sacrament of faith. But faith needs the community of believers. It is only within the faith of the Church that each of the faithful can believe. The faith required for Baptism is not a perfect and mature faith, but a beginning that is called to develop. The godparent is asked: “What do you ask of God’s Church?” The response is: “Faith!” CCC 1253
Baptized at St. John’s but lost your Baptismal Certificate? You may request a new one here:
LEARN MORE
As a result of Original Sin, human nature is weakened. Baptism, by imparting the life of Christ’s grace, takes away Original Sin, and turns us back toward God. The consequences of this weakness and the inclination to evil persist, and we often commit personal or actual sin.
The Sacrament of Reconciliation is one of the most unique and beautiful aspects of Catholicism. Jesus Christ, in His abundant love and mercy, established the Sacrament of Confession, so that we as sinners can obtain forgiveness for our sins and reconcile with God and the Church. The sacrament “washes us clean,” and renews us in Christ.