BAPTISM

Through Baptism, Original Sin is washed away, we receive forgiveness for all personal sin and the temporal punishment due to sin is removed.   We are reborn as adopted children of God and become members of the Body of Christ, the Church.   We become bonded with all other Christians.   Through baptism we are permanently marked for Christ with an indelible spiritual mark.   Baptism fills the soul with grace and confers the virtues of faith, hope and love.

Baptism is necessary for salvation.   Jesus said, "No one can enter the Kingdom of God without being begotten of water and the Spirit" (Jn 3:5)

Godparents:

Godparents assist the newly baptized by being an example in living the Catholic faith and by supporting and encouraging their godchild to live their faith throughout their life.

For baptism, at least one Catholic godparent is needed but ordinarily there are two – one male and one female.   The requirements for a godparent are they are 16 years old or older, have received all the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation and First Communion), are active, practicing Catholics in good standing with the Catholic Church and have no canonical penalties.   They must provide a letter from the parish they are registered in stating they are a Catholic in good standing with the Catholic Church and able to act as a godparent.   One godparent may be of a Christian denomination and would be referred to as a Christian witness.

For specific information on preparing for and scheduling a baptism, click on the appropriate link below.

Baptism for children up through 6 years old – more info

Baptism for 7 year olds through High School – more info

Baptism for Adults – more info