The sacrament of Baptism ushers us into the divine life, cleanses us from sin, and initiates us as members of the Christian community. It is the foundation for the sacramental life.
At baptism, the presider prays over the water:
Father, look now with love upon your Church, and unseal for her the fountain of baptism. By the power of the Holy Spirit give to this water the grace of your Son, so that in the sacrament of baptism all those whom you have created in your likeness may be cleansed from sin and rise to a new birth of innocence by water and the Holy Spirit. (Christian Initiation of Adults, #222A)
Freed from Sin
Baptism frees us from the bondage of original and actual sin. Water is poured in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Today, the sacrament of Baptism is often performed on infants, shortly after birth. Adult Baptisms take place at the Easter Vigil through the restored Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults. Adults or children who have been baptized in a valid Christian church are not baptized again in the Catholic church. As we say in the Nicene Creed, “I confess one Baptism for the forgiveness of sins…”
The Catechism teaches: “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 man becomes an adoptive son of the Father, 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” (CCC 1279).
Baptismal Symbols
- Water: The waters of baptism recall Jesus’ own baptism by John the Baptist in the River Jordan. Water is a symbol of cleansing and renewal as we begin a new life in Christ. We are washed clean of sin.
- Oil: At baptism we are anointed into the life of Christ as “priest, prophet and king.” A cross is traced on the candidate’s forehead as are reminder that we are inheritors of the Kingdom of God.
- Light: The baptismal candle is lit from the Paschal or Easter candle that stands in the church as a sign of Christ’s light in the world. At Baptism, we receive the light of Christ and are called forth to share this light with the world.
- White garment: The white garment that is placed upon us at baptism is a symbol of Christ’s victory over death and his glorious Resurrection. Likewise, the white garment or pall that is placed over the coffin at the time of death recalls our baptismal promises and reminds us that we are destined for eternal life.
While in ordinary circumstances, sacraments in the Catholic Church are administered validly by a member of the ordained clergy, in an emergency situation, the sacrament of Baptism can be administered by anyone. In case of necessity, any person can baptize provided that (s)he has the intention of doing that which the Church does and provided that (s)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” (CCC 1284).
The church celebrates with you on this important occasion. Except for the season of Lent when no baptisms are ordinarily celebrated, baptisms are celebrated at a day and time agreed upon by the parents and the priest.
Infant Baptism preparation session and procedures at Saint Alphonsus Parish:
- Letter of Permission: If you are not a member of St. Alphonsus Parish you will need a letter of permission from your parish’s pastor to baptize anyone at St. Alphonsus Parish.
- Choosing godparent(s): A godparent must be at least 16 years old, baptized, confirmed and attends Mass and the Eucharist regularly.
- Baptism Preparation Session: Required for first time parents and godparents. See below for more information.
- Completion of the Baptismal Forms: Required by the Archdiocese of New Orleans.
Most people select a godmother and godfather, although the Church says that one sponsor is sufficient. First-time parents and godparents are required to attend a baptism preparation class prior to the baptism date. This session, required by Church law, provides catechetical instruction and prepares everyone for their role in the development of the faith of the child, as well as practical information on the actual baptism ceremony.
Both parents and godparents can take a baptism preparation session from their home parish or somewhere else if they are not registered parishioners at St. Alphonsus Parish or do not live in the area.
PLEASE CLICK HERE to download form from the Archdiocese of New Orleans
