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Sacrament of Baptism
Holy Baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life, the gateway to life in the Spirit (vitae spiritualis ianua), 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."
The birth of a child for a family is a cause for great celebration. It is a time of joy and nervous anticipation as we welcome this new life into our families and plan for the future together with our new born. The addition of a new family member forever changes the family as we come to understand the gifts and talents this newest member brings to our family.
The Church in her wisdom recognizes the value of the individual from the moment of conception to the moment of death. It rejoices in the life of all individuals understanding how each person's gifts and talents build the Body of Christ and create the community we recognize as Church.
This relationship calls us to celebrate the Sacrament of Baptism with the utmost importance never relegating it to an afterthought or an event to be achieved. Parents should register for the Baptism Preparation Program by contacting the Parish Office. We encourage registration for the program before birth.
Baptisms can be celebrated at one of the Sunday Liturgies or at 1pm in the afternoon. For 2011 & 2012 the scheduled baptism dates are
Baptism preparation sessions are held at 12:30 in the School Library. Baptism preparation classes for 2011 are scheduled on September 25 and November 20
For 2012, preparation classes are scheduled on January 29, March 27, and May 20.
Couples are excused from the session if they have attended one within 2 years of the date of the scheduled baptism.
'Private Baptisms' can be scheduled provided the family provides their own celebrant (an outside priest or deacon).
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