About Baptism

Holy Baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life, the gateway to life in the Spirit, and the door that gives access to the other sacraments. Through Baptism we are freed from original sin and reborn as sons or daughters -- or children -- of God; we become members of Christ, are incorporated into the Church and made sharers in her mission.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church Teaching on Baptism

The Sacrament of Christian Initiation

  • Baptism is the first of the three Sacraments of Initiation, followed by Confirmation and the Eucharist (CCC 1212).

The Effects of Baptism

  • Cleanses from sin: Removes Original Sin and all personal sin (CCC 1263).

  • New life in Christ: Makes the baptized a new creation and a child of God (CCC 1265).

  • Incorporation into the Church: Baptism brings a person into the Body of Christ, the Church (CCC 1267).

  • Indelible spiritual mark: Leaves a permanent mark on the soul; Baptism cannot be repeated (CCC 1272).

The Necessity of Baptism

  • Baptism is necessary for salvation for those who have heard the Gospel and have the possibility of receiving it (CCC 1257).

  • The Church recognizes Baptism of water, Baptism of blood (martyrdom), and Baptism of desire (CCC 1258–1261).

The Minister of Baptism

  • The ordinary ministers are bishops, priests, and deacons; in emergencies, anyone can baptize with proper intention (CCC 1256).

The Rite of Baptism

  • The Essential Rite of Baptism: Immersion in or pouring of water three times while saying, “I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.” (CCC 1239–1240)

Pastoral Letter

Dear Parents,

We rejoice with you as we look forward to the Baptism of your child. By dying and rising with Christ, your child will be initiated into the family of faith that is the Church.

What a joy we share with you as you welcome your child into our faith community. During this time of preparation for your child's Baptism, and throughout your time in our parish, we are eager to assist you, who are the primary instructors of your child in the faith. We hope that you will find in our parish community a nurturing support for both your faith and the faith of your child. It is a special challenge and privilege to live and share Catholic family life.

We deeply reverence your vocation and ministry as parents. We pray that your family will grow with our family as we help each other live the life of God in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

Faithfully in Christ,
Fr. Leo Connolly

Baptism of Infants and Young Children

Infants and young children of parishioners at Seton Parish are welcomed into the Church through Baptism. Parents should contact the parish office for more information on Baptism preparation and scheduling a Baptism for infants through 6 years of age.

Baptism of Adults and Older Children

Those over the age seven through adulthood are Baptized and welcomed into the Church through the OCIA process. OCIA is the Order of Christian Initiation for Adults and children at or above the age of reason (typically 7), seeking to become Catholic.

Our OCIA team is ready to help wherever you are in your journey to learn more about the Catholic faith and complete your Sacraments of Initiation in the Catholic Church. Regardless of where you are in your faith journey, we have a place for you here and want to help you grow and develop within the beauty of our Catholic faith and its Sacraments.

The easiest place to begin is to fill out our online inquiry form and Tina Bowie, our OCIA director, will reach out to you. You can also contact Tina directly at 614-833-0485 Ext. 227 or tbowie@setonparish.com

 

Have Questions?

Please contact Tina Bowie for additional information.