Baptism

The word baptism in its origins is Greek and means "immersion" and "bath." Immersion in water is a sign of death and emersion out of the water means new life. To bathe in water is also to undergo cleansing. Saint Paul sums up this truth when he says, "You were buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the power of God, who raised him from the dead" (Col 2:12).

The origin and foundation of Christian Baptism is Jesus. Before starting his public ministry, Jesus submitted himself to the baptism given by John the Baptist. The waters did not purify him; he cleansed the waters. "He comes to sanctify the Jordan for our sake . . . to begin a new creation through the Spirit and water" (St. Gregory Nazianzen,Liturgy of the Hours, I, 634).

-United States Catholic Catechism for Adults

Infant baptisms are usually held during or immediately after Mass at your parish. Please contact your parish office for more information. If you are an older child or adult looking to become baptized in the Catholic Church, learn more through the RCIA program.