- Baptism, which is the first sacrament we receive, opens the door to all the other sacraments. Through Baptism, a person becomes a Christian and a member of the Church. Baptism is the beginning of our discipleship in Jesus Christ.
The Church baptizes infants, children, teenagers, and adults.
Infants are baptized when their parents assume the responsibility of assuring that the children will be given the opportunity and example to discover Jesus Christ and his teachings within the Roman Catholic faith.
First-time parents at Saint Mary's participate in a gathering periodically held on Friday evenings. At the gathering, parents explore the meaning of Baptism, our faith as Catholics, as well as Christian parenting. A schedule of the parent gatherings is available through the parish offices.
School-age children and adults prepare for Baptism by participating in a process of learning and formation called the Catechumenate (a word which designates a period of preparation before baptism).
Godparents (sponsors) of infants and others preparing for baptism are committed Roman Catholics who are chosen by the parents or by the person to be baptized. They serve as role models and promise to assist in the religious formation of the child or adult.
Those to be baptized have one or two Godparents. A baptized non-Catholic is welcome to serve along with a Catholic Godparent provided he or she is willing to assist in the Christian formation of the one being baptized. Usually, Godparents are asked to present a "sponsor letter" attesting that they are committed members of their own parish, prior to the baptism.
Baptisms at Saint Mary's are celebrated monthly on Sunday afternoons. These celebrations are communal and usually involve several families. Baptisms are also celebrated at one of the Sunday Masses.
For more information concerning the Sacrament of Baptism, please contact the parish office at: 508.278.2226 or by our parish email.