Leaders Contact Information Deacon Greg Meier (859) 689-5010 ext. 223 Mary Brady (859) 689-5010, ext. 224

Baptism: Becoming a Christian

“Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations,
baptizing them
in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.”
(Matthew 28:19-20)

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 the sacrament of regeneration through water and in the word."

Christian initiation is accomplished by three sacraments together: Baptism which is the beginning of new life; Confirmation which is its strengthening; and the Eucharist which nourishes the disciple with Christ's Body and Blood for his transformation in Christ.

Baptism is birth into the new life in Christ. In accordance with the Lord's will, it is necessary for salvation, as is the Church herself, which we enter by Baptism.

What are the essential form and matter of the Sacrament of Baptism?
The essential rite of Baptism consists in immersing the candidate in water or pouring water on his head, while pronouncing the invocation of the Most Holy Trinity: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.  Water and the words of Christ are the form and matter of the Sacrament.

What does Baptism do for us?
The fruit of Baptism, or baptismal grace, is a rich reality that includes forgiveness of original sin and all personal sins, birth into the new life by which one becomes an adoptive child of God, a member of Christ and a temple of the Holy Spirit. By this very fact the person baptized is incorporated into the Church, the Body of Christ, and made a sharer in the priesthood of Christ.

I was baptized in a non-Catholic but Christian church.  Should I be re-baptized Catholic?
Baptism imprints on the soul an indelible spiritual sign, the character, which consecrates the baptized person for Christian worship. Because of the character Baptism cannot be repeated (cf. DS 1609 and DS 1624).

Is Baptism necessary to gain Heaven?
Jesus gave us the command to Baptize.  Those who die for the faith, those who are catechumens, and all those who, without knowing of the Church but acting under the inspiration of grace, seek God sincerely and strive to fulfill his will, can be saved even if they have not been baptized.

What about infants who die?
With respect to children who have died without Baptism, the liturgy of the Church invites us to trust in God's mercy and to pray for their salvation.

Why does the Catholic Church baptize children?
Since the earliest times, Baptism has been administered to children, for it is a grace and a gift of God that does not presuppose any human merit; children are baptized in the faith of the Church. Entry into Christian life gives access to true freedom.

Who can baptize?
While the ordinary ministers of Baptism are a Priest or Deacon, in case of necessity, any person can baptize provided that he have the intention of doing that which the Church does and provided that he pours water on the candidate's head while saying: "I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit."

What do I need to do to get my child baptized?
Parents must attend a pre-Baptism session.  This session, which is held the second Tuesday evening of each month, discusses the theology of baptism as well as the Rite of Baptism.  We also cover practical matters such as Godparent selection and scheduling.  See the bulletin for times.

I’m an adult, what do I need to do to get baptized?
Any child who has reached the age of 7, and any adult, enters the Church through special Rites called the RCIA or RCIC.  Use the link on the left to learn more about these programs.