loader image

Baptism

“Baptism is the best gift we have received. Through it, we belong to God and we possess the joy of salvation.”

Pope Francis

The sacrament of baptism ushers us into the divine life, cleanses us from sin, and initiates us as members of the Catholic community. It is the foundation for the sacramental life.

At baptism, the presider prays over the water:

Father, look now with love upon your Church, and unseal for her the fountain of baptism. By the power of the Holy Spirit give to this water the grace of your Son, so that in the sacrament of baptism all those whom you have created in your likeness may be cleansed from sin and rise to a new birth of innocence by water and the Holy Spirit. (Christian Initiation of Adults, #222A)

Freed from Sin

Baptism frees us from the bondage of original and actual sin. Water is poured in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Today, the sacrament of baptism is often performed on infants, shortly after birth. Adult baptisms take place at the Easter Vigil through the restored Order of Christian Initiation for Adults. Adults or children who have been baptized in a valid Christian church are not baptized again in the Catholic church. As we say in the Nicene Creed, “I confess one Baptism for the forgiveness of sins…”

Baptismal Symbols

White garment – The white garment that is placed upon us at baptism is a symbol of Christ’s victory over death and his glorious resurrection. Likewise, the white garment or pall that is placed over the coffin at the time of death recalls our baptismal promises and reminds us that we are destined for eternal life.

Water – The waters of baptism recall Jesus’ own baptism by John the Baptist in the river Jordan. Water is a symbol of cleansing and renewal as we begin a new life in Christ. We are washed clean of sin.

Oil – At baptism we are anointed into the life of Christ as “priest, prophet and king.” A cross is traced on the candidate’s forehead as a reminder that we are inheritors of the Kingdom of God.

Light – The baptismal candle is lit from the Paschal or Easter candle that stands in the church as a sign of Christ’s light in the world. At baptism, we receive the light of Christ and are called forth to share this light with the world.

Infants & Children

Please contact the Parish Office at least two weeks prior to the desired date of the Baptism at 361.368.9156.

Finalize the date by completing the paperwork and submitting the following documents in the Parish Office.

  1. Complete a Baptism Form
  2. Provide a copy of the baby’s Birth Certificate
  3. Submit a copy of the Sponsor’s Church Marriage Certificate/ Confirmation Certificate
  4. Parents and Sponsors must attend a one-hour class prior to baptism. Classes are usually on the Saturday morning prior to the Baptism.

PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING

Godparents need to be practicing Catholics and, if married, must be married through the Catholic Church and provide a copy of their sacramental marriage certificate, if not married, their Confirmation Certificate will be required.

A meeting of the parents with the pastor with all required documents needs to be scheduled prior to the class.

Baptisms are on the First Sunday of the month.

For any exceptions in serious cases, please contact the Parish Office.

Adults

Adults seeking sacraments my contact Deacon Robert Flores at 361.779.4765

Godparents

Godparents need to be practicing Catholics and, if married, must be married through the Catholic Church and provide a copy of their sacramental marriage certificate, if not married, their Confirmation Certificate will be required.