Baptism

By choosing Baptism for your child, you are giving them the most precious gift you could possibly imagine: a life lived with God's grace.

According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church:

"Baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life, the gateway to life in the Spirit, and the door which gives access to other sacraments. Through Baptism we are freed from sin and reborn as sons 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 and in the word.'" CCC 1213

Baptism frees us from sin and makes us children of God, followers of Christ, members of the Catholic Church, and participants in the mission of the Church. Baptism is one of the most important gifts we receive. But the sacrament of Baptism is not just a one-time event. It is the beginning of life as a Catholic Christian and the foundation for faith. The grace of the sacrament remains with us for all time.

In the Rite of Baptism, we celebrate the reality of being immersed in God's life through:

The Gathered Assembly: The community gathered for the celebration represents the whole Church, welcoming this new member and affirming the profession of our faith.

The Signing of the Cross: Parents, godparents, family members and parishioners join the presider in tracing the Sign of the Cross on the child's forehead. A sign on something shows its origins or ownership. The Sign of the Cross shows that we belong to Jesus. By tracing the sign of the cross on the child's forehead, we welcome that person into this worldwide community that has made the cross its distinguishing sign. It is another way of saying that from now on this little child will never have to carry the cross alone, or walk alone.

Anointing: The first anointing, with the oil of catechumens, on the breast, calls on Christ to strengthen the child being baptized, especially for the times when living life as a follower of Jesus can be challenging. Later, the oil of chrism is rubbed on the head. It is a sign of strengthening to live as a follower of Jesus a life that is priestly, prophetic and royal: bringing God to a needy world, boldly speaking the truth of God's love and serving the poor and afflicted with compassion. In the prayer the whole Church expresses its hopes for your son or daughter.

Water: Water, of course, is the essential sign of Baptism. It can be a sign of both life and fruitfulness as well as death and destruction. Water gives life, saves life, and takes life away. Using water in Baptism reminds us of this power and helps us to experience our dying with Christ and our rising with him to new life.

The Baptismal Garment: A white garment is placed on the newly baptized, a sign of new status. It symbolizes that he or she has put on a new life as a child of God and is now a new creation. As parents, you have taken on the responsibility to provide food, shelter, and clothing for your child. This symbol is also a reminder to wrap your child in the care and compassion of Christ.

The Lighted Candle: Your child's Baptismal candle is lit from the parish's Easter (Paschal) candle, a sign of the Risen Christ. This symbol reminds all that your child is welcomed into the Church to participate with her in being the "light of the world". The candle is a visible reminder that this light of Christ is to be kept burning all through life, a light shining in what is sometimes a dark world.

The religious formation of a child begins at brith. Your child has been created in the image and likeness of God. Everything that you do for and with your child will help to continue to deepen that image and likeness.

God reveals himself to us as a loving parent, which places great responsibility on parents in forming a child's understanding of God. It is through your love, patience and care that your child will first learn the love, patience and care of God. It is through your forgiveness that your child will first learn about God's gift of forgiveness and healing. It is by praying with you that your child will learn to pray.

There are many ways that we as parents can and should fulfill our Baptismal promises both now and in the years to come. Some suggestions include:

1. Make a list of family members' Baptism dates. Mark them on the calendar and celebrate them!

2. Tell your children about their godparents and WHY you chose them.

3. Talk about your faith with your children. Read Scripture stories. Talk about the ways God works in your life.

4. Pray as a family - often and as a natural part of family life.

5. Make Mass a family event! Talk about the readings before Mass. Talk about the homily on the way home.

6. Commit as a family to pray for and help those in need around you.

The godparents are a link between the family and the Church. In addition to representing the Christian community, godparents help parents to bring up their children in the faith by their witness and prayers. To be a godparent is a privileged service in the Church and a special ministry.

Requirements

The Code of Canon Law (872-874) says that a godparent must:

be at least 16 years of age
have received the sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation)
lead a life of faith in harmony with the duty he or she is undertaking
may not be one of the parents of the person being Baptized

Only one godparent is required for Baptism and a maximum of two (one male and one female) can be recorded in the Baptismal record. When pastoral circumstances warrant it, one of these sponsors may be a baptized non-Catholic Christian as a witness of the Baptism.

Steps for Baptism at St. Gabriel

Please note: Parents must be registered and participating at St. Gabriel for 6 months prior to scheduled Baptism.

Fill out our Baptism Registration Form linked at the top of this page.
Our Parish Office will contact you to make an appointment and begin the preparation process.
Our Parish Office will contact you with upcoming Baptism dates. After all requirements have been fulfilled, you will be permitted to schedule a Baptism date for your infant/young child.

Important Note:

Of your child is 7+ years old, please visit our Religious Education page. School-aged children are Baptized as a part of our regular Religious Education program, specifically in the 2-year OCIC (Order of Christian Initiation for Children) program.

If you are an adult seeking the sacrament of Baptism, please visit our RCIA page for information about the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults.