The Sacrament Of Baptism
The Sacrament of Baptism is often called "The door of the Church," because it is the first of the seven sacraments not only in time (since most Catholics receive it as infants) but in priority, since the reception of the other sacraments depends on it. Baptism has six primary effects, which are all supernatural graces. In addition to the removal of guilt for both Original Sin and personal sin, baptism also removes the remission of all punishment that we owe because of sin, both temporal (in this world and in Purgatory) and eternal (the punishment that we would suffer in hell). Baptism also provides an infusion of grace in the form of sanctifying grace (the life of God within us) and provides the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit and the three theological virtues. Additionally, baptism allows us to become a part of the Church which is the Mystical Body of Christ on earth and enables participation in the sacraments, the priesthood of all believers, and the growth in grace.
The Sacrament of Baptism for infants is offered at the Cathedral of Saint Patrick on the first, second and fourth Sunday of the month at 1:30 PM. The following are guidelines for a Baptism at the Cathedral:
- Parents are to be registered members of the Cathedral of Saint Patrick for a period of three months.
- Parent must attend a baptismal class prior to the baptism if they haven’t attended a Baptism preparation class at the Cathedral of Saint Patrick within the last two years. Baptismal classes are held the third Sunday of the month at 1:30 PM in the Family Life Center. Class registration is not required.
- Parents must complete and submit all the necessary paperwork, along with the sponsor certificate, to the parish office at least one week prior to the scheduled baptism.
- Baptisms will not be performed on the scheduled date unless all the above requirements have been met.
For more information, please contact:
Deacon Carlos Medina, Coordinator of Baptism Preparation
"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." (Catechism of the Catholic Church #1213)
|
