Baptism is the first and foundational sacrament of the Catholic faith, often referred to as the "door" that opens the way to all other sacraments. It is through Baptism that we are brought into the loving embrace of God, washed clean of original sin, and initiated into the family of the Church. Baptism is more than just a ceremony—it is the beginning of a new life in Christ, one that is filled with grace, hope, and the promise of eternal life.

Through the simple but profound act of water being poured over the child’s head (or immersion in water), and the invocation of the Holy Trinity—"I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit"—the child is united with Jesus Christ. (Catechism of the Catholic Church 977, 1213ff; 1275 1278)  In this moment, we are reminded of Christ’s death and resurrection, which brought forgiveness of our sins and opened the gates to everlasting life. Baptism is not just a personal gift—it is a celebration of the entire faith community.

Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist: A Journey of Faith

Baptism, along with Confirmation and the Eucharist, forms the "sacraments of initiation" in the Catholic Church. These three sacraments work together to bring a person fully into the life of the Church. Through Baptism, we are forgiven of original and personal sin and begin a new life in Christ, receiving the gift of the Holy Spirit. This marks the beginning of a lifelong journey of faith.

Confirmation strengthens the grace received at Baptism, affirming our commitment to living as faithful disciples of Jesus Christ, and the Eucharist nourishes us with the Body and Blood of Christ, allowing us to grow closer to God and each other as a community. Together, these sacraments incorporate us into the Church, the Body of Christ, and equip us to live as faithful members of His Church, sharing His love and light with the world.

At St. Anthony Church, Baptism is a joyful occasion, and we encourage parents to share in the beauty of this sacrament by having their children baptized in the presence of the congregation. Baptisms can be scheduled during any Mass or following the 11:15 AM Mass on the 1st and 3rd Sundays of the month. When a baptism takes place during Mass, it adds to the celebration of the Liturgy and offers all of us an opportunity to renew our own baptismal promises, reflecting on the gift of our own faith and commitment to living as disciples of Christ.

Baptism is a Gift to the Child and the Family

At St. Anthony Church, we deeply believe in the importance of raising children in the faith. Baptism marks the beginning of a lifelong journey with God, and we are here to support parents in that journey. Our revised baptismal program, introduced in 2008, includes a Baptismal Ministry team that works closely with parents and godparents, offering guidance and support in preparing for this special sacrament. We want to make this a meaningful experience for your family, helping you to understand the beauty and significance of what is taking place as you begin this spiritual journey with your child.

If you are interested in having your child baptized, please contact the Parish Center at least a few weeks in advance to speak with Lisa at ext. 10.

For Adults Considering Baptism

We also warmly welcome adults who have not yet been baptized. If you are interested in receiving the sacrament of Baptism as an adult, please reach out to Deacon Domenic at 203-758-4056. We are here to walk with you on this path of faith.