Baptism
Born of Water and the Spirit.
BAPTISM AT ST. ROSE
Baptism is the beginning of our life in Christ and the gateway to the other Sacraments. Through Baptism, we are freed from sin, reborn as children of God, and welcomed into the family of the Church.
“Holy Baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life, the gateway to life in the Spirit…”
THE SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM
A New Life in Christ
Baptism is the first of the Sacraments of Christian Initiation and the foundation of the Christian life. Through the waters of Baptism, we are united with Jesus Christ in His death and Resurrection and begin a new life in Him.
In Baptism, we are freed from original sin, reborn as children of God, and incorporated into Christ and His Church. We receive sanctifying grace and become temples of the Holy Spirit.
Baptism is more than a ceremony welcoming someone into the Catholic community. God truly acts through this sacrament, giving us new life and making us His own.
Baptism also leaves a permanent spiritual mark upon the soul. For this reason, Baptism is received only once and can never be repeated.
“No one can enter the kingdom of God without being born of water and Spirit.”
— John 3:5
WATER AND THE HOLY SPIRIT
Water is the central sign of Baptism. As the person is baptized with water in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, the water signifies both cleansing from sin and the gift of new life in Christ.
BECOMING PART OF THE CHURCH
Through Baptism, we become members of the Body of Christ — the Church. We enter a family of faith that extends throughout the world and across generations, united together in Christ.
THE BEGINNING OF A LIFE OF FAITH
Baptism is not the completion of our journey with God; it is the beginning. The grace received in Baptism is meant to grow throughout our lives through prayer, the Eucharist, the other Sacraments, and a life of discipleship.
THE SIGNS OF BAPTISM
Signs of New Life in Christ
The celebration of Baptism is rich with sacred signs that reveal what God is doing in the life of the newly baptized. Water, Sacred Chrism, the white garment, and the baptismal candle each point to the new life we receive in Christ.
WATER
Cleansed and Born to New Life
Water is the central sign of Baptism. As water washes and gives life, the waters of Baptism signify our cleansing from sin and our new birth in the Holy Spirit. Through Baptism, we die with Christ and rise with Him to new life.
SACRED CHRISM
Anointed in Christ
After Baptism, the newly baptized is anointed with Sacred Chrism, a perfumed oil consecrated by the bishop. This anointing signifies the gift of the Holy Spirit and our incorporation into Christ, who is Priest, Prophet, and King.
THE BAPTISMAL CANDLE
The Light of Christ
The baptismal candle is lit from the Paschal Candle, which represents the risen Christ. It reminds the newly baptized that Christ is our light and that every baptized Christian is called to carry His light into the world.
THE WHITE GARMENT
Clothed in Christ
The white garment signifies that the newly baptized has “put on Christ” and risen with Him to new life. It is a visible sign of the new dignity and life received through Baptism.
Which Path Is Right for You?
INFANTS & CHILDREN UNDER AGE 7
Parents begin the Baptism preparation process by registering online.
CHILDREN & TEENS AGES 7–17
Children and teens who have reached the age of reason prepare for Baptism through OCIA for Children & Teens.
ADULTS AGE 18+
Adults who have not been baptized prepare to receive Baptism and the Sacraments of Christian Initiation through OCIA.
INFANT & CHILD BAPTISM UNDER AGE 7
Preparing for Your Child's Baptism
We are honored to accompany your family as you prepare for your child's Baptism. For children under age 7, parents begin the process by reviewing the Baptism requirements and completing the registration form.
GETTING STARTED
1. Review the Baptism Requirements
Review the Baptism preparation process, required documentation, and godparent requirements.
2. Complete the Registration Form
Complete the online registration to begin your child's Baptism preparation process.
3. Complete Baptism Preparation
Parents and godparents must complete the required Baptism preparation before a Baptism date can be scheduled.
QUESTIONS?
NEED HELP WITH BAPTISM?
Questions about Baptism preparation, required documents, godparent requirements, classes, or scheduling? Deacon Elbert Pagan is available to assist you through the Baptism preparation process.
Deacon Elbert Pagan
Call or Text: 321-497-2929
Telephone Hours: Monday–Friday, 5:00 PM–8:30 PM
elbert.pagan@saintroseoflimacc.org
