Baptism

Baptism is the most important of all the sacraments, we can’t receive the other sacraments unless we are baptized. Infants are always ready for baptism. The question parents should ask themselves is: are we ready for baptism? Are we connected to the church community? Are we receiving the sacraments? Are we ready to continue in our child’s life what was begun in Baptism? These are important questions. Baptism should be an act of commitment to raise this child in the family of the church. When people say they are Catholic or Anglican or United the question is – are they capital C or small c? Big difference.

‘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 sin and reborn as sons of God; we become members of Christ, are incorporated into the Church and made sharers in her mission: “Baptism is the sacrament of regeneration through water and the word.”‘ (Catechism of the Catholic Church – CCC 1213)

Adults who intend to receive Baptism are admitted to the catechumenate and are brought through the various stages of the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA). They receive the Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Holy Eucharist and Confirmation at the Easter Vigil Mass. Each adult has a personal sponsor to assist them during their time of catechumenate and act as a witness to their reception of the Sacraments of Initiation.

When parents bring their newborn children to the Church to be baptized, they and the child’s sponsor(s), or godparent(s) are suitably instructed on the meaning of Baptism and the obligations that go with it. Parents should be members of St. Gabriel’s Parish and have been practising the Faith.

Every Easter, Catholics of all ages renew their Baptismal Promises. It is done on Easter Sunday because we have just participated in the events of the Passion, Death and Resurrection of Jesus (also known as the Paschal Mystery) – we have been baptized into the death of Christ that we might rise with Him. During the Easter Season, the Paschal Candle is lit to remind us that our re-birth has come through Christ. At every Baptism, the Baptismal Candle is lit from the Paschal Candle to remind us of our oneness with Christ as members of His Body, we who are baptized are members of the Mystical Body of Christ.

If you have any questions about this Sacrament or wish to be baptized or have your child baptized, please contact the Parish Office.