Baptism of Christ, Joachim Patinir, c. 1515
 

“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 in the word.’”[1] This holy sacrament is celebrated in the context of the liturgical rites of the Church, in which water is poured upon the head, which both symbolizes and actually accomplishes purification of the soul through regenerating grace of the Holy Spirit.

The grace of Baptism is an absolute and generous gift from God given to the human race for their restoration and communion with Him. As St. Gregory Nazianzus once stated,

Baptism is God’s most beautiful and magnificent gift . . . We call it gift, grace, anointing, enlightenment, garment of immortality, bath of rebirth, seal, and most precious gift. It is called gift because it is conferred on those who bring nothing of their own; grace since it is given even to the guilty; Baptism because sin is buried in the water; anointing for it is priestly and royal as are those who are anointed; enlightenment because it radiates light; clothing since it veils our shame; bath because it washes; and seal as it is our guard and the sign of God’s Lordship.[2]

It is in the acceptance of this generous gift that we enter into the life of God, becoming partakers of His grace.

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For the baptism of children, St. Edward’s has a Pre-Baptism program in which the clergy welcome parents and assist them in the preparation for the baptism of their child. This Pre-Baptismal program is by appointment. After completing the registration form, please visit us in the office or call to inquire about the celebration of Baptism and to schedule a conversation with our parish priests. Please refer to the documents below regarding the responsibilities and qualifications for Godparents.

Infant baptisms are generally held on the 1st and 3rd Sundays of the month, and the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of the month.

Please complete the following registration form:

Baptism Registration Form

For the baptism of adults, St. Edward’s has the RCIA Program in which the individual is assisted in their journey of faith and prepared for the reception of the sacraments. Please click on the link below to transfer to the RCIA page for more information:

RCIA