BAPTISM
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The Sacrament of BaptismThis is the first of four sacraments that are part of the initiation rites of the Church. In Baptism, the individual is claimed by Christ and becomes a new creation, without sin; even the original sin of Adam and Eve. Adam and Eve lost for them and their descendants saving grace, which is necessary for our salvation. Baptism restores that grace. Without Baptism a person cannot enter heaven.
Before Baptism, our relationship with God is only as creatures before our Creator; after Baptism, we become children of God. In Baptism, we receive the gifts of the Holy Spirit, though we are not able to draw upon many of these gifts until Confirmation.
When this sacrament is not made available to a person before death, God will offer it extra-ordinarily, so that no one is denied the opportunity of heaven. However, it is seriously wrong to withhold your children from this sacrament unnecessarily for a lengthy period of time. Such a decision may constitute grave sin.
The official teaching on Baptism is found in the Catechism of the Catholic Church:Holy 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 [and daughters] 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)
Parish Policy on Baptism
- In order for a baptism to be scheduled, the following must be done:
- You must be an active, registered member of a parish for at least 6 months before requesting baptism.
- Registered members from another parish must request a document from their pastor that confirms regular attendance.
- You must stop by the parish office to pick up a Baptism Packet. The Packet must be filled out and returned with all necessary documents by the set deadline for the instruction class.
- You must attend a Baptism Instruction Class - Our classes are on the second Friday of each month, if there is someone scheduled to attend. Instruction may be done at another parish, though a certificate from that class must be presented as proof of attendance.
- It is hightly recommended that parents and godparents complete baptism classes prior to the birth of a child so that the Baptism can be scheduled without delay. Church Law recommends that we not wait unnecessarily longer than two weeks after a birth.
- While a donation of $5 dollars is asked to offset expenses of materials, it is in no way required.
For More Information Please Contact:St. Theresa Parish Office at (361) 348-2202