Baptism
The sacraments celebrated by the Church are signs of grace that make a deeper reality present to us. Since the time of early Christianity, Baptism
has been the rite of initiation into the Christian community of the Church. In Baptism, the “one Spirit” makes us members of the Body of Christ and of “one another” (Catechism of the Catholic Church [CCC], no. 1267). During the Rite of Baptism, we reject sin, renouncing those beliefs, values, and choices that are opposed to Christ. We also reject sinful attitudes that degrade the dignity of others (e.g., racism, sexism, etc.) and practices that prevent other members of our human family from living in dignity (e.g., abortion, policies that hurt the poor, etc.). Baptism calls us to reject death and embrace life and dignity for all. At Baptism, we embrace a unique vision and set of values: those of the community of the Church, whose values prioritize love for God, self, others, and all of creation. The rest of the community also joins in the profession of faith, illustrating that the community is linked across generations, space, and time.The triple immersion in the baptismal water signifies the death of sin and entry into the newness of life through Christ’s Death and Resurrection. The oil signifies anointing by the Holy Spirit and receiving of the Holy Spirit’s gifts. The Holy Spirit helps us to imitate Jesus’ self-sacrificial love and allows us to share in the work of the Holy Spirit in the world. The baptized are called to imitate Jesus’ example and strive in thought, word, and action to live his love. After being baptized, we acknowledge or receive a white garment to signify that we have risen with Christ. We receive a lighted candle, which symbolizes that we are a new creation, enlightened by Christ. We are now called to carry that light into the dark world to extend the light to others (CCC, no. 1243). -United State Catholic Conference of Bishops
has been the rite of initiation into the Christian community of the Church. In Baptism, the “one Spirit” makes us members of the Body of Christ and of “one another” (Catechism of the Catholic Church [CCC], no. 1267). During the Rite of Baptism, we reject sin, renouncing those beliefs, values, and choices that are opposed to Christ. We also reject sinful attitudes that degrade the dignity of others (e.g., racism, sexism, etc.) and practices that prevent other members of our human family from living in dignity (e.g., abortion, policies that hurt the poor, etc.). Baptism calls us to reject death and embrace life and dignity for all. At Baptism, we embrace a unique vision and set of values: those of the community of the Church, whose values prioritize love for God, self, others, and all of creation. The rest of the community also joins in the profession of faith, illustrating that the community is linked across generations, space, and time.The triple immersion in the baptismal water signifies the death of sin and entry into the newness of life through Christ’s Death and Resurrection. The oil signifies anointing by the Holy Spirit and receiving of the Holy Spirit’s gifts. The Holy Spirit helps us to imitate Jesus’ self-sacrificial love and allows us to share in the work of the Holy Spirit in the world. The baptized are called to imitate Jesus’ example and strive in thought, word, and action to live his love. After being baptized, we acknowledge or receive a white garment to signify that we have risen with Christ. We receive a lighted candle, which symbolizes that we are a new creation, enlightened by Christ. We are now called to carry that light into the dark world to extend the light to others (CCC, no. 1243). -United State Catholic Conference of Bishops
Holy Family Baptism Classes for parents and Godparents
Parents and Godparents are asked to attend a class prior to the Baptism of any new member of the church that is under the age of 7. If you are seeking Baptism for a child age 7 or above please contact Children's Ministry to inquire about RCIC (Rite of Christian Initiation for Children) as they are acknowledged as having reached the age of reason by the Church. Classes are held in English the first Sunday of each month at 12:00PM in the parish office building with the exception of during the seasons of Advent and Lent. Please contact the Parish Office at 253-833-5130 to let them know prior to the class you plan to attend. There is paperwork that should be filled out and completed in advance of the class when possible.
Holy Family Baptisms-Children under 7 years of age
Upon completion of the Baptism class for parents and Godparents you will designate the month you plan to have your child baptized. All arrangements must be made in advance through the parish office. Baptisms are held on the third Saturday of each month at 11AM.
Upcoming Baptism class/Baptism dates
Baptism classes for parents/godparents: Please contact Catherine Banning at 253-833-5130 to request Baptism paperwork