Baptism

Baptism is the initial sacrament for entrance into the Catholic faith. Once a person desires baptism it is because he/she is responding to God's invitation to enter into a relationship. Because infants and very young children are not yet able to express this desire, it is not on their faith that we baptize infants and young children.  We baptize infants and young children on the faith of their parents. But such faith requires something from the parents; the responsibility to raise their children in their faith. Baptism is the sacrament that continues to unfold through childhood and even into adulthood.

First time parents are required to attend a Baptism Class. These classes are held the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month, from 7:00 – 8:00 p.m. at St. John Neumann Church. Call the Parish Office to register for the class. Baptisms are held at St. Mary’s Church on Sundays at 1:30 p.m.  

To arrange for a Baptism in Spanish, please call our Hispanic Ministry Office.  Baptisms in Spanish are held at St. John Neumann Church on the last Sunday of the month at 12:15 p.m.

The celebration of all sacraments are community events and our community is the parish where we live. If you are a Catholic parent living within the boundaries of St. Mary’s, you are welcome to have your child baptized here. If you live in another city, but for family or other reasons would like to have your child baptized here, please address all inquiries to the Rectory Office at 410-990-4023.