Baptism Preparation Class is Coming!
Saturday, November 7th at 9am in the Parish Conference Room. Located in the Parish Office Building
Are you expecting a baby or have a child between the ages of 0–8 whom you would like to have baptized? We are happy to walk alongside you as you prepare for this beautiful and important step in your child’s faith journey!
This Baptism Preparation Class is designed for expectant parents and parents of young children who are preparing for the Sacrament of Baptism. The class is required for parents who have not previously attended a Baptism Preparation Class.
We look forward to welcoming you and helping you learn more about the Sacrament of Baptism, what it means for your child and your family, and how you can continue to nurture your child’s faith as they grow.
Location: Parish Office Conference Room
Length: Approximately 1 hour
To register for the class, please fill out the form below.
About Baptism
What is Baptism in the Catholic Church?
Baptism is the first and most foundational sacrament of the Catholic Church. It is the beginning of the Christian life and the doorway to all the other sacraments. Through Baptism, a person is washed free from original sin, becomes a child of God, is united with Jesus Christ, receives the gift of the Holy Spirit, and becomes a member of the Church, the Body of Christ.
Discipleship begins in Baptism. Through the waters of Baptism, we become children of God, members of the Church, and followers of Jesus Christ. Baptism marks the beginning of a lifelong journey of faith and discipleship.
Jesus Himself established Baptism when He commanded His disciples:
Baptism is not simply a beautiful ceremony or family tradition. It is a real encounter with God’s grace. The water symbolizes cleansing and new life, while the Holy Spirit transforms the person, marking them with an indelible spiritual seal that can never be erased.
For infants, Baptism is a gift received through the faith of the Church and the commitment of their parents and godparents, who promise to raise the child in the Catholic faith until the child is able to profess that faith personally.
Baptism marks the beginning of a lifelong journey of discipleship.
Through their love, example, and guidance, parents help their child grow into the person God created them to be.
Why is it Important for Parents to Prepare for your child’s Baptism?
Preparing for your child’s Baptism is about much more than planning a special day. It is an opportunity for parents to reflect on their own faith and to embrace the sacred responsibility God is entrusting to them.
The Baptism preparation process helps parents understand the meaning of the sacrament, the symbols used during the celebration, and the lifelong commitment they are making. It also encourages parents to deepen their own relationship with Christ so they can become the first and most important teachers of the faith.
When parents ask to have their child baptized, they are publicly promising to:
- Raise their child in the Catholic faith.
- Teach them to know and love Jesus Christ.
- Pray with and for their child.
- Bring them to Mass every Sunday and on Holy Days.
- Prepare them to receive the Sacraments of Reconciliation, Eucharist, and Confirmation.
- Help them live according to the Gospel through word and example.
Children learn about God long before they can read a Bible or attend religious education. They learn by watching their parents pray, forgive, serve others, and participate in the life of the Church. The greatest gift parents can give their child is not simply the day of Baptism, but a home where faith is lived every day.
“Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.” (Matthew 28:19)
If you are interested in preparing your child for to receive Baptism, please call the Christina at the Parish Office at 989-967-3681or email parishoffice.stmikes.us