Baptism
"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 children of God; we become members of Christ, are incorporated into the Church and made sharers in her mission: Baptism is a sacrament of regeneration through water in the word." (Catechism of the Catholic Church 1213)
At St. John, we celebrate the sacrament of Baptism communally, in the context of the Sunday Eucharist. Our whole community welcomes the child and joins in the joy of becoming a new creation, baptized by the cleansing water of God.
Infant baptism (birth to age 7) occurs multiple times a year, in our Parish Family. If your child is over age 7, we invite them to participate in our Order of Christian Initiation for Children classes, to prepare for baptism at the Easter Vigil.
We don’t hold private baptisms, unless there is an exceptional circumstance. Baptism celebrates the initiation of the child into the parish community and it is very important that the community is present at the time of the celebration, and that the celebration take place in the context of the liturgy of the mass.
Baptism dates (any Parish Family 14 parishioner may choose any of these dates):
- Pentecost Vigil May 23rd: 5pm mass St. John the Evangelist
- June 27/28: St. Alphonsus at both 5pm vigil and 9am Sunday masses
- August 16: St. Benedict at the 11am Sunday mass
- September 26/27: St. John at both 5pm vigil and 10:30am Sunday masses
- November 14/15: St. Alphonsus at both 5pm vigil and 9am Sunday masses
Prior to baptizing a child, families (parents and godparents) are asked to attend our Baptism Preparation Class. This class is led by a couple in our parish, and is held online, at 7pm. Next class date is: TBD. Classes are held approximately a month prior to each scheduled baptism weekend.
Here is the form to register for the next baptism preparation class. Use this whether you are a parent or a godparent.
Families wanting to baptize their child should reach out to the Director of Sacramental Preparation, Julia Rudden, at jrudden@parishfamily14.org.
Please fill out and return the Baptism Information Form.
If you have an urgent need for an emergency baptism due to threat of imminent death, please contact the emergency pastoral care line at (206) 271-3543.
