Baptism
"Every child who is born is a gift of joy and of hope, and every child who is baptized is a miracle of the faith and a feast for the family of God.” –Pope Francis
The Sacrament of Baptism is the foundation of Christian life, the entrance to the life in the Spirit and access to the other Sacraments. Through Baptism we are freed from original sin, become heirs to the Kingdom of God, are incorporated into the Church and become sharers in the Mission of the Church.
To be "baptized" literally means "to be immersed." In this first and primary sacrament, we are immersed into the very life of God. Cleansing, refreshing water, which is necessary for life, is used to symbolize God, in whom we live, and move, and have our being. In Baptism we receive the dignity of becoming a Christian –– a member of the Church, the Body of Christ.
That is why our Baptism Font is so prominent at St. Francis de Sales. It is at the Church doors so that all who enter are immediately reminded of their Baptism, and from its waters we bless ourselves when we enter and leave.
Baptism of Infants and Children
Since the days of the Apostles, the Catholic Church has baptized entire households, including infants. Why deny these little ones the grace and dignity of being a Christian? Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me.” Of course babies can't say yes to Baptism, but their parents can! When presenting their child for baptism today, parents promise to "raise them in the practice of the faith." Parents promise to share and foster within their children the most precious gift of faith.
Infant Baptism Preparation
The St. Francis de Sales Family welcomes your child with great joy, and we look forward to celebrating the Sacrament of Baptism with you. Since this is such an important milestone, we require Baptism Preparation for parents. Please complete the registration form below and download and complete the Baptism Information Form to begin.
Baptism Preparation Registration
Selecting Godparents
One of the most important decisions to make regarding Baptism is the selection of godparents for your child. Since godparents represent the Church, they should be carefully chosen. The Church requires that a godparent be:
- at least sixteen years of age
- a fully initiated Catholic (has received the sacraments of Baptism, Holy Communion, and Confirmation)
- leads a life in harmony with Church teachings
To learn more about the role of godparents, please read the FAQ sheet linked below.
Please share this form with your chosen godparent(s) to complete and return before your child's Baptism.
Baptism for Older Children
If your son or daughter is seven years or older, please contact McKinzie at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Baptism for Adults
If you are an adult who is desiring Baptism, please visit our OCIA page.
Helpful Resources
Canon Law Regarding Baptism
Canon 867
§1 Parents are obliged to see to it that infants are baptized with the first weeks after birth; as soon as possible after the birth, or even before, parents are to request the sacrament for their child and to be properly prepared.
§ 2 An infant in danger of death is to be baptized without delay.
Canon 868
§ 1 For the baptism of an infant it is necessary that:
• parents or at least one of them or the person who lawfully takes their place gives consent;
• there be a founded hope that the infant will be brought up in the Catholic faith; if such a hope is altogether laking, the baptism is to be delayed according to the prescriptions of particular law and the parents are to be informed of the reason.
§ 2 The infant of Catholic parents, in fact of non-Catholic parents as well, who is in danger of death is licitly baptized even against the will of the parents.
Canon 872
Insofar as possible, one to be baptized is to be given a sponsor who is to assist an adult in Christian initiation, or, together with the parents, to present an infant at the baptism, and who will help the baptized to lead a Christian life in harmony with the baptism, and to fulfill faithfully the obligations connected with it.
Canon 873
Only one male or one female sponsor or one of each sex is to be a godparent.
Canon 874
§ 1 To be admitted to the role of sponsor, a person must:
• be designated by the one to be baptized, by the parents or the one who takes their place or, in their absence, by the pastor or minister and is to have the qualifications and intention of performing the role;
• have completed the 16th year;
• be a Catholic who has been confirmed and has already received the sacrament of the Most Holy Eucharist and leads a life in harmony with the faith and the role to be undertaken;
• not be the mother or father of the one to be baptized.
§ 2 A baptized person of another Christian church may not serve as godparent or sponsor but may serve as a witness to baptism together with a Catholic sponsor.
| Contact | McKinzie Murley This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. |
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