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, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.
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 original 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. Baptism imprints on the soul an indelible spiritual sign which consecrates the baptized person for Christian worship and service. Because of this particular character Baptism cannot be repeated. Baptism constitutes the foundation of communion among all Christians.
Catechism of the Catholic Church Numbers 1213, 1271, 1277-1280
The practice of infant Baptism is an immemorial tradition of the Church. There is explicit testimony to this practice from the second century, and it is quite possible that, from the beginning of the apostolic preaching, when whole “households” received baptism, infants may also have been baptized, see Acts of the Apostles 16:15, 33; 18:8; and I Corinthians 1:16.
Catechism of the Catholic Church Numbers 1250-1252
The essential rite of Baptism consists of immersing the candidate in water or pouring water on the head, while pronouncing the invocation of the Most Holy Trinity: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
Catechism of the Catholic Church Number 1278
Contact the Parish Office with the following information:
- Name of infant
- Date of birth ( or when baby is due)
- Place of birth (city and state)
- Parents’ full names (Mother’s maiden name), address, and telephone number
- Parents’ church of marriage
- Names of Godparents and their parish of registration
Parent(s):
- Registered member(s) of Cathedral Parish
- If not members of Parish, need letter of permission from pastor of home parish to have Baptism at the Cathedral
- Practicing Catholics (regular attendance at Mass and other sacraments)
- Committed to bringing their child up in the practice of the faith
Godparents:
- Ideally both are practicing Catholics and must have received the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist
- One godparent must be a practicing Catholic; a non-Catholic godparent will be noted as a Christian Witness in the baptismal registry
- Godparents outside the parish must present a slip of eligibility for Baptism. This testifies that the person(s) is a practicing Catholic who regularly attends Mass and other sacraments at home parish. The perspective godparent requests this form from the home parish office.
Baptismal Prep Session:
- Parents and, ideally, godparents must attend a Baptismal Prep Session in the Seton Suite of the Cathedral rectory (Fourteenth Street) prior to the Baptism
- Session includes: prayer; short film, Your Baby’s Baptism; questions and answers; information of times for baptism; and individual interviews
- The date of the Baptismal Prep Session is listed in the weekly bulletin
- Attendance may take place prior to the birth of the baby
With above completed, parents call the Parish Office to set the date for the celebration of the Sacrament of Baptism
Baptism is normally celebrated within Sunday Mass (including Saturday vigil Mass) throughout the year. Baptism is usually not celebrated during Lent.
Baptism, like all sacraments, are public celebrations of the church, and invite the entire faith community to join in welcoming this new member into the church
Parents and godparents meet a half hour before Mass to go through the rite of Baptism with a member of the Parish Baptismal Team