In Baptism, we are cleansed from sin, reborn as children of God, and welcomed into the Church.
The beginning of life in Christ and his Church.
A gift of grace
Through water and the Holy Spirit, God gives new life, forgives sin, and joins us to the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
A call to grow
Baptism is more than a one-time event. It is the start of a lifelong journey of faith, prayer, scripture, and parish life.
How Baptism begins
- 1
Reach out
Contact the parish office. We'll provide the next steps and answer your questions.
- 2
Gather & prepare
Complete a short preparation and submit the required information.
- 3
Choose a date
Work with the parish to choose a date and time for the celebration.
- 4
Celebrate
We gather as a parish family to welcome the newly baptized into life in Christ.
Who is Baptism for?
Children under six are baptized at all four of our churches. Adults who wish to be baptized prepare through Upon This Rock, our parish course for becoming Catholic, and are baptized at the Easter Vigil.
What to prepare
Call the parish office to begin. Parents and godparents take part in a short baptismal preparation session; at least one godparent must be a fully initiated Catholic.
- Child's full name and date of birth
- Parents' names and contact information
- Godparents' names and confirmation of eligibility
- Any special needs or family circumstances
Parents and godparents are guided through a short preparation before the celebration.
More about Baptism
In the sacrament of baptism we become members of the Body of Christ, the Church. We are washed in water in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and we begin a new life of grace. Baptism also gives each of us a share in Christ's own mission: to pray for the world, to stand with the poor and speak against injustice, and to work for a society shaped by love.
Baptism of children
Children under the age of six are baptized at all churches in our parish family. Parents and godparents are asked to take part in a baptismal preparation session beforehand. At least one godparent must be a fully initiated Roman Catholic: that is, baptized, confirmed, and receiving the Eucharist. If you have recently completed a preparation session at another Catholic parish anywhere in the world, that counts.
Baptism of adults
Adults who wish to be baptized prepare through a period of learning, prayer, and reflection called the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA): in our parishes, a homegrown course called Upon This Rock. Adults are baptized at the Easter Vigil on the night of Holy Saturday, received into the Church alongside millions of other new Christians around the world that same night. Children of adults being baptized may be baptized with their family at the Vigil.
Wondering whether this is for you? You are welcome to ask questions long before you commit to anything. Call the office or visit our Becoming Catholic page.