Baptism

The sacrament of baptism ushers us into the divine life, cleanses us from sin, and initiates us as members of the Christian community. It is the foundation for the sacramental life.

At baptism, the presider prays over the water:

Father, look now with love upon your Church, and unseal for her the fountain of baptism. By the power of the Holy Spirit give to this water the grace of your Son, so that in the sacrament of baptism all those whom you have created in your likeness may be cleansed from sin and rise to a new birth of innocence by water and the Holy Spirit. (Christian Initiation of Adults, #222A)

Freed from Sin

Baptism frees us from the bondage of original and actual sin. Water is poured in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Today, the sacrament of baptism is often performed on infants, shortly after birth. Adult baptisms take place at the Easter Vigil through the restored Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults. Adults or children who have been baptized in a valid Christian church are not baptized again in the Catholic church. As we say in the Nicene Creed, “I confess one Baptism for the forgiveness of sins…”

The Catechism teaches:
"The fruit of Baptism, or baptismal grace, is a rich reality that includes forgiveness of original sin and all personal sins, birth into the new life by which man becomes an adoptive son of the Father, a member of Christ and a temple of the Holy Spirit. By this very fact the person baptized is incorporated into the Church, the Body of Christ, and made a sharer in the priesthood of Christ" (CCC 1279).

Baptismal Symbols

• Water – The waters of baptism recall Jesus’ own baptism by John the Baptist in the river Jordan. Water is a symbol of cleansing and renewal as we begin a new life in Christ. We are washed clean of sin.
• Oil – At baptism we are anointed into the life of Christ as “priest, prophet and king.” A cross is traced on the candidate’s forehead as a reminder that we are inheritors of the Kingdom of God.
• Light – The baptismal candle is lit from the Paschal or Easter candle that stands in the church as a sign of Christ’s light in the world. At baptism, we receive the light of Christ and are called forth to share this light with the world.
• White garment – The white garment that is placed upon us at baptism is a symbol of Christ’s victory over death and his glorious resurrection. Likewise, the white garment or pall that is placed over the coffin at the time of death recalls our baptismal promises and reminds us that we are destined for eternal life.

While in ordinary circumstances, sacraments in the Catholic Church are administered validly by a member of the ordained clergy, in an emergency situation, the sacrament of baptism can be administered by anyone.

In case of necessity, any person can baptize provided that he have the intention of doing that which the Church does and provided that he pour water on the candidates head while saying: “I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit" (CCC 1284).

Amen, amen, I say to you, no one can enter the kingdom of God without being born of water and Spirit. (John 3:5)

ADULT BAPTISM
For adults who have never been baptized and would like to join the Catholic Church, click here to learn about the process of the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults, or RCIA.  
 

INFANT BAPTISM
Thank you for welcoming Christ into your child. May God bless you in your role of raising and caring for your child. You are the first teachers they will encounter. They will learn many things from you and others throughout their lives, but none as important as living a Christian life. A life as a member of a community of worship, commitment and service will enrich them in their life in Christ.

Infant Baptism generally takes place on a Saturday morning outside of Mass, unless you request otherwise. All parents must meet with Father Norbert.

Baptism Preparation Classes for Parents
Please call the office to schedule a meeting with Father Norbert. The office number is 843-875-5002.  

The Age of your Child
The Catholic Church celebrates Baptism in two different ways. One, the Rite of Baptism for Children, is for newborn infants and for children who have not yet reached the age of discernment, or catechetical age seven.  Newborn infants are generally be baptized within the first few months after birth.  If your child is of catechetical age (greater than 7 years), please contact the office and the procedure will be discussed with you.


Baptismal Record
After the Baptism, the information will be recorded in the parish Baptism register. Your child's permanent record will always be kept at this parish. Before your child's entry to Catholic school, confirmation, marriage, religious profession or ordination in years to come, you will be asked for an updated copy of the Baptismal Certificate. It will always be issued from this parish. The information about your child's sacramental life - where those events may happen - will always be on record here at the parish.