The sacrament of baptism ushers us into the divine life, cleanses us from sin, and initiates us as members of the Christian 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 Rite 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…”
The Catechism
teaches:
"The fruit of Baptism, or baptismal grace, is a rich reality that includes forgiveness of original sin and all personal sins, birth into the new life by which man becomes an adoptive son of the Father, a member of Christ and a temple of the Holy Spirit. By this very fact the person baptized is incorporated into the Church, the Body of Christ, and made a sharer in the priesthood of Christ" (CCC 1279).
Baptismal Symbols
- 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.
- 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.
While in ordinary circumstances, sacraments in the Catholic Church are administered validly by a member of the ordained clergy, in an emergency situation, the sacrament of baptism can be administered by anyone.
In case of necessity, any person can baptize provided that he have the intention of doing that which the Church does and provided that he pour water on the candidates head while saying: “I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit" (CCC 1284).
Parishioners are encouraged to register and support the parish, to help raise their child in a loving and faith-filled environment. Baptismal paperwork is available in the Narthex of the church, or in the Parish Office. Please follow the check list and make sure all documents are in hand, along with payment, before turning in. Baptismal Packets must be completely filled out, and returned to the parish office along with a copy of the child's birth certificate and copies of the Godparent's sacraments. Godparents MUST be fully initiated in the faith, and practicing Catholics. A baptismal class must be attended by both the parents and Godparents. Classes may be taken at another parish- please provide a copy of course completion. No children please.
Effective July 1, 2024:
Baptismal Stole fee is $75 payable online, cash, or check (payable to St. Joseph the Worker). This fee includes the baptismal class. Fee is due with completed paperwork, prior to the Baptism. If the family is having the baptism elsewhere, the class fee is $20 per couple, cash or check made payable to St. Joseph, or pay online with the Online Giving Tab. Please call the Parish Office for more information. The Parent/Legal Guardian
must contact the Parish Office requesting for Baptism.
Thank you.
Baptismal
Class
Dates 2025:
Classes held on Wednesdays, which begin promptly at 6:30 pm in room 3.
Pre-registration is required. No Drop ins.
February 12th
March & April: No Baptisms
May 7th
Registration
closes at 2 pm, the Monday of the week prior to
the baptismal class date, or when class is at capacity.
Please pay registration fee online, call or email the parish office and provide attendees names.
If the baptism is being held at another parish:
Class fee is $20 per couple.
Please click on the Online Giving link on our website's home page, and click on "Baptismal Preparation" tab to secure your registration.
Payment is due a
minimum of a week prior to class date.
Class fee is non-refundable.
You will need to provide a copy of your Confirmation Certificate at time of registration, or the night of the class.
Baptismal Ceremony Dates for 2025:
Baptisms held on Saturdays at 11:00 am
February 15th
(Paperwork & payment due by February 3rd)
March & April: No Baptisms
May 10th
(Paperwork & payment due by Monday, April 28th)
Baptismal Stole fee is $75.00. Please click on the Online Giving link on our website's home page, and click on "The Sacrament of Baptism" tab. This fee includes the cost of the class.
**The celebration of baptism is not complete until all paperwork and payment is finalized with the Parish Office. Please review the checklist provided in the baptismal packet before turning in paperwork, and payment.
The Deacon is the class administrator and the celebrant for the Baptism.
