Sacrament of Baptism
What is the Sacrament of Baptism?
As human beings, we are both body and spirit united. We are not “bodies that have a spirit” nor are we “spirits inside a body.” Rather, our being is the union of the two—separation of them is called “Death.”
As human beings who have fallen from grace, there is a gap which separates us from communion with God. To be integrated into Christ’s body and the Church, we need to be baptized. Baptism bridges these realities because Christ instituted them. They are signs we can experience physically, but they aren’t merely symbolic actions as they dispense grace.
A valid Baptism results in a number of effects.
- Cleanses us of both original and person sin.
- Leaves indelible mark on the soul.
- Instills sanctifying grace.
- Increases faith in God.
- Gives the power to live and act under the prompting of the Holy Spirit.
- Allows growth in goodness through the moral virtues.
- Makes us a new creation as adopted children of God.
- Makes us members of the Church and the Body of Christ.
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 sons [and daughters] of God; we become members of Christ, are incorporated into the Church and made sharers in her mission.
(Catechism of the Catholic Church 1213)
What are the requirements for Baptism at St. Patrick's?
Baptisms take place on the Third Sunday of the month after the 8:00 am and 10:00 am Masses.
Infants and Children
Families that want to baptize their infant or child must be registered and regularly attending Mass at St. Patrick's for at least six months prior ot the baptism. A copy of the child’s birth certificate must be on file with our Rectory office.
Adults
Adults that want to be baptized must complete our Order of Christian Initiation for Adults class (OCIA).
Godparents
Godparents must be at least 18 years old, single or married in the Catholic Church, confirmed, and in good standing with the Church. If they are not registered members at St. Patrick's, they must provide a signed and sealed Letter of Good Standing from their home parish.
One godparent is enough. If there are two godparents, they must be male and female. If the godparents are married, in some cases they must also provide an ecclesial marriage certificate.
Although non-Catholic Christians are unable to be a godparent, they can be a witness provided there is also a Catholic godparent.
Baptism Prep Class
In all cases, the parents and godparents must complete the Baptism Prep Class at St. Patrick's in the last three years. Even then, we encourage parents and godparents to take the class as a refresher to ensure everyone knows how to move and what to say during the Baptism ceremony. An offering of $30 is suggested for a baptism.
Baptism Prep Class
Our Baptism Prep Class is designed to educate parents and godparents about the meaning and significance of the Sacrament of Baptism, as well as the practical aspects of the ceremony itself.
The class is offered in-person and covers topics such as the role of parents and godparents, the meaning and effects of the Sacrament, and the promises and commitments made during the ceremony. We also discuss on raising children in the Catholic faith and the importance of ongoing spiritual development.
During the class, teachers and attendees do a walk-through of the Baptism ceremony in the church. The purpose of the walk-through is to ensure all parties understand how to move and what to say during the ceremony.
Our Baptism Prep Class is offered on the first Sunday of each month from 11:30 am to 1:00 pm. The class takes place in our Rectory Conference Room.
Registration for our Baptism Prep Class can be done online through our Realm Connect app, or by calling our Rectory office at (503) 222-4086.
Take the first step
The first step in the Baptism preparation process at St. Patrick's is filling out our online form. Please allow 2-3 working days for us to process your information and respond with the next steps.
