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Baptism
The Universal Church, "the Catholic Church," is an extension of the domestic church of the family. It's like a bigger family: a family of faith. We are brought into this family through the sacrament of Baptism. It is through Baptism that we become members of the Body of Christ and through Baptism that we belong no longer to ourselves, but to Jesus Christ, "the head of the Body," who died and rose for us. Baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life, the gateway to life in the Spirit, and the door which gives access to the other sacraments. Through baptism we are freed from sin and reborn as children of God; we become members of Christ, are incorporated into the Church and made to be sharers in her mission. (Catechism of the Catholic Church —1213) Sacramental Preparation
You must pre-register for baptismal preparation by contacting Ann Viviano at 365-5678 x237 or email at . A $15 fee covers the class and Baptism and is due the night of the class. All classes are held in the Panel Room (located below the Day Chapel) from 7 to 9 PM on the following evenings:
Baptisms are usually performed during a regular weekend Mass, five times a year. (Because of the penitential focus of the season, no baptisms are scheduled during Lent.) Parents are advised to call the Parish Office 219-365-5678 for arrangements as soon as they know they are expecting. |
One of the very basic groupings in society is the family. That
goes without saying. The family forms a little community unto itself.
The church considers the family the "DOMESTIC CHURCH" and when it comes
to passing on the faith, the church recognizes that the parents are
the øfirst teachers of the faith. It is at mom and dad's knee and
around the table and around the house that the faith is lived out ¨ day
in and day out ¨ and children learn about the faith of their parents as it is
passed down to them.
Parents attend baptismal preparation (one, two-hour session) to
prepare them to understand the responsibilities they are undertaking in
asking that their children become new members of the Church. It is highly
recommended that godparents also attend the preparation session.