The Sacrament of Baptism is the first of the three Sacraments of Initiation- Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Communion.  It is through the Sacrament of Baptism that we become sons and daughters of God.  This Sacrament is a gateway to the life of Grace.  At the moment of our Baptism, the Holy Spirit comes to dwell in us and all stain of sin, personal and original, is washed away.  Preparing for this Sacrament is also a time of joy.  For many of us, we are baptized as infants or tiny children, and so it is our parents who prepare with us for this Sacrament.  If you are over the age of 7, baptismal preparation will take place in a different format, using the RCIA, or Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults - please see the page titled RCIA for more information.  

FAQ's about Baptism:

1.  Can a Baptism be celebrated inside/outside of a Mass?
          Yes.  A Baptism at St. Catherine's may be scheduled within a Mass, or outside of Mass.  Please speak with Fr. Paul Duchschere about scheduling yours.

2.  Godparents:  What do I need to know?
       What is a Godparent?  "Likewise, at the Baptism of a child, a godparent should be present in order to represent both the wider spiritual family of the one ot be baptized and the role of the Church as mother and, as circumstances suggest, to help the parents so that the infant will come to profess the faith and to express it in life." Order of Baptism for Children, par 8.  
       When you choose a Godparent for your child, you should consider the people close to you who you consider to be good examples of living their Catholic faith.  Your child's Godparent will be an important witness to them throughout their lives.  
       Who can be a Godparent?  
        1. Therefore a Godparent, must be designated by the one to be baptized, or by the parent of by whoever takes their place or, in their absence, by the pastor or the minster of Baptism and have the aptitude and the intention to carry out this responsibility,
         2.  be mature enough to fulfill this responsibility,
         3.  have received the three Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Eucharist and be living a life consistent with faith and the reponsibility of a godparent.
         4.  be neither the father nor the mother of the one to be baptized.
         5.  there can be one male and/or one female godparent. (There cannot be two women or two men)
         6.  be a member of the Catholic Church, not prohibited by lay from carrying out this office.  A baptized person who belongs to a non-Catholic ecclesial community may be recieved only as a witness of the Baptism and only together with a Catholic godparent, at the request of the parents.  
                     Order of Baptism, par 10.

How do I get started? 

To begin preparation for Baptism, you will need to contact Deacon Joe Leitner for preparation, and you will also speak with Fr. Paul Duchschere regarding setting up a time for the baptism.  Please fill out the interest form below and Deacon Joe and/or Fr. Paul Duchschere will contact you soon.