This page is about the baptism of children. To read about the baptism of adults, click on “Faith Formation -- Becoming Catholic.”
Baptism of adults is handled through participating in the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA), which provides an ongoing process of preparation for the initiation sacraments. This is the principal component of our Adult Faith Formation Program at MHR, and this takes place on Saturdays from 2:30 to 3:30 PM.
The Sacrament of Baptism
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.
Catechism of the Catholic Church 121
A gift to your child
There are so many gifts that you, as parents, give to your child, even though the child is not aware of them at the time. In Baptism you present your child to Jesus Christ, who brings him or her into His Church community, which is His Mystical Body here on earth. On your part you promise to continue what Jesus has begun – to nurture your child in our faith, to know Jesus, love Him and serve Him as he or she grows up.
That’s why it is so important for you as parents, and for the godparents, to belong to the parish and participate.
Preparation for Baptism
When you are planning to have a child baptized, begin by calling the rectory to let us know you want to prepare for the baptism. You will be asked to come in person to register for the date of Baptism and to provide us with the information we need, especially the child's birth certificate.
We will inform you right away about the current dates for our Baptism preparation sessions. We require that both the parents and the godparents attend this session. Baptism is an important moment in life, not only for the child but also for the parents and godparents.