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. It is the first of the three Sacraments of Initiation, the other two being the Sacrament of Confirmation and the Sacrament of Holy Communion. Once baptized, a person becomes a member of the Church. Traditionally, the rite (or ceremony) of baptism was held outside the doors of the main part of the church, to signify this fact.

Jesus Himself ordered His disciples to preach the Gospel to all nations and to baptize those who accept the message of the Gospel. In His encounter with Nicodemus (John 3:1-21), Jesus made it clear that baptism was necessary for salvation: "Amen, amen I say to thee, unless a man be born again of water and the Holy Ghost, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God." For Catholics, the sacrament is not a mere formality; it is the very mark of a Christian, because it brings us into new life in Christ.

 


 

BAPTISM SESSION FOR PARENTS

Parents are required to attend one Baptism Session for Parents prior to the Baptism of their first child and pre-registration is required. The session schedule can be found below. Parents are encouraged (not required) to repeat the session if there has been a lapse of 24 months.

Baptism Session for Parents class meets in the Resource Room. Below is the current schedule of dates. Please call 217-483-3772 and let the office know the date you are planning to attend.

  • July 20, 2023 at 6:30pm
  • October 12, 2023 at 6:30pm

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