Baptism is the first of all the sacraments and the first sacrament of initiation. In baptism, we are reborn in Christ through water. The two principal effects of baptism are the purification from sin and new life in the Holy Spirit. After baptism, all sins, personal and original, are forgiven and no punishment for sin remains. Baptism also makes us an adopted son or daughter of God and incorporates us into the church. As a member of the Church, we belong no longer to ourselves, but to him who died and rose for us.
If you are interested in baptizing your child, please find more information below. If you are an adult who is interested in baptism, please visit this page to learn more about the Order of Christian Initiation for Adults.
Steps to Baptism
1. Living your own Catholic faith seriously
To raise your child in faith, it is essential that you are striving to live it faithfully yourself. Practicing and living the Catholic faith well includes attending Mass on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation, going to Confession regularly, praying each day, and continually growing in your knowledge and understanding of the faith. Your example will be your child's first and most important lesson in what it means to be Catholic.
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