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 #1213

Saint Gregory of Nazianzus described the gift of Baptism when he said, “It is God’s most beautiful and magnificent gift…We call it gift, grace, anointing, enlightenment, garment of immortality, bath of rebirth, seal, and most precious gift. It is called gift because it is conferred on those who bring nothing of their own; grace since it is given even to the guilty; Baptism because sin is buried in the water; anointing for it is priestly and royal as are those who are anointed; enlightenment because it radiates light; clothing since it veils our shame; bath because it washes; and seal as it is our guard and the sign of God’s Lordship.”

Parents are urged to baptize their children within a few months of birth. It is required for parents to watch a pre-baptism video. Baptisms are scheduled on the second and fourth Saturday of the month at 11:00 am. Baptisms are scheduled in Spanish on the first and third Saturday of the month at 11:00 am. Please contact Colleen Young at [email protected] or 908-895-1117 to schedule a baptism.