“Holy Baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life, the gateway to life in the Spirit (vitae spiritualis ianua), and the door which gives access to the other sacraments. Through Baptism we are freed from sin and reborn as sons of God; we become members of Christ, are incorporated into the Church and made sharers in her mission: ‘Baptism is the sacrament of regeneration through water in the word.’” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1213)
Many Catholics receive the sacrament of baptism as infants, in the presence of his or her parents and godparents. Through the saving waters of baptism, Catholics believe that we are washed clean from the stain of original sin (caused by the sin of Adam and Eve). The grace we receive in baptism also makes us children of God the Father and welcomes us into the Catholic Church.
The parents of children to be baptized must take instruction and pledge to bring up their children in the Faith. Adults who have not received this sacrament participate in a RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) program prior to Baptism.
Yes, in fact, we recommend it!
If this is your first child, one-time parent preparation classes are required before infant baptism.
Godparents “must be firm believers, able and ready to help the newly baptized – child or adult on the road of Christian life.” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1255). A child must have at least one Catholic godparent who has been baptized, received their first communion, and confirmed. Someone may “stand in” (act as a proxy) for a godparent who is not able to be present at the Baptism.
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