BAPTISM

Baptisms are divided into two main categories.

Infant Baptism is for children from birth through the 6th year of age. They are held on Sundays at 1:30 pm. In English on the 2nd and 4th Sundays of the month and in Spanish the 1st and 3rd Sundays of the month. To help the parents and Godparents know and understand what baptism means for their child, a pre-baptismal class is required and a completed information form so that your child's name can be entered in the baptismal registry.

For more information regarding Infant Baptism, call the parish office: 209 524-7421.

The second category is for people 7 years of age and older. There is a process to receive the sacraments of initiation: baptism, confirmation and Eucharist, which brings the person fully into the Church.

For more information regarding Baptism for people 7 years of age or older, call the RCIA office: 209 491-3468.

The Sacrament of Baptism begins our new life in Christ. Baptism washes away original sin. We are made a member of Christ’s body, the Church. We are filled with sanctifying grace. We receive the theological virtues of faith, hope and charity, as well as the gifts of the Holy Spirit.

Baptism is celebrated by the pouring of holy water or immersing one in the Baptismal Font. The celebrant recites the words, "I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit." This is called the Trinitarian baptismal formula. The one receiving the sacrament is immersed or water is poured on their head three times – once as the celebrant says, "in the name of the Father," once as he says, "and of the Son," and again when he says, "and of the Holy Spirit." The celebrant or Ordinary Minister of Baptism is a bishop, priest or deacon. In an emergency, however, anyone can baptize as long as the intention is to do the will of the church and the Trinitarian formula and pouring water are used.