Gateway to life in the Spirit
What is baptism?
Baptism is first of our seven sacraments in the Catholic Church. Open to infant and
adult, male and female, baptism brings together the person, the parish community and the
global church. As the Catechism notes, "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."
Receiving the sacrament at St. Peter's
We offer parents of infants, toddlers and children the option of Baptism throughout much
of the liturgical year. Because baptism unites both parent and child to not only one another,
but also to the parish community, we do not offer baptisms outside of the Saturday evening
vigil or Sunday morning mass.
Below is a list of the full requirements for at least one parent seeking to have their infant
or young toddler baptized at St. Peter's. A parent must:
- Be a confirmed Catholic in the Church.
- Be a registered parishioner at St. Peter's for a minimum of 3 months
- Have attended at least one baptismal preparatory class
(contact the faith formation office to schedule a session)
Receiving the sacrament beyond childhood
As you might note, we make a distinction in the reception of the Sacrament between
infants and toddlers and those of school-aged children. Because children have the ability
to understand the elements of this sacrament, they are required to attend the Rite of
Christian Initiation as adapted for Children more commonly known as RCIC. Through
this process, the children begin their own faith journey. They may start this program
at any time. When we discern together that the child is ready, they will be received at
an Easter Vigil. At this time they will receive all the sacraments of initiation: Baptism,
Confirmation and Eucharist.
To register your child or for more information about our religious education programs,
contact our Office of Faith Formation.
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