Baptism

A.    Parish Directives

Sacramental Preparation and pre-registration for classes is required for all infant/child Baptisms.  Please contact the Parish Office for more information (275-7549).

B.    Diocesan Directives

Themes for reflection for Catechesis for Infant Baptism (which is primarily directed towards the adults who are parents, guardians and sponsors) are:  The meaning of Sacraments of Initiation; The Ritual of Baptism; and Parental Roles and Responsibilities.

C.   Theology

Baptism is the first step, the gate, toward providing a spirituality for Christian living.  It is the invitation to begin formation that hands on the faith that the apostles received from Christ.  Baptism begins the process of conversion and discipleship.  It incorporates persons into the mystery of Christ and into the faith community.

As a sacrament, Baptism seals the person with the life of the Spirit.  It challenges persons to be in community, which gives the mandate to be a positive influence in a world marred by sin and suffering.  Baptism remits sins and cleanses the individual.  "Further, Baptism is the sacrament by which its recipients are incorporated into the Church and are built up together in sacramental bond of unity linking all who have been signed by it. . . . ."  (RCIA-4)  As a holy people, the baptized share the three works of Christ:  to teach, to govern, and to sanctify.

Baptism calls for conversion and a new lifestyle.  The Christian Community invites the newly baptized to follow the Risen Lord by shaping their lives on the principles and values of the Gospel.  The baptized person becomes a member of a community that shares God's mission in and to the world to bring about God's reign.

(Taken from the Guidelines for Sacramental Catechesis for the Diocese of Pueblo)