What is the Sacrament of Baptism?
“The origin and foundation of Christian Baptism is Jesus. Before starting his public ministry, Jesus submitted himself to the baptism given by John the Baptist. The waters did not purify him; he cleansed the waters…Jesus did not need to be baptized because he was totally faithful to the will of his Father and free from sin. However, he wanted to show his solidarity with human beings in order to reconcile them to the Father. By commanding his disciples to baptize all nations, he established the means by which people would die to sin- original and actual- and begin to live a new life with God. In Baptism, the Holy Spirit moves us to answer Christ’s call to holiness. In Baptism, we are asked to walk by the light of Christ and to trust in his wisdom. We are invited to submit our hearts to Christ with ever deeper love.” (USCCB)
According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church (1213): 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.”
Children’s Baptism
Baptisms are scheduled throughout the year, except during the liturgical seasons of Advent and Lent, or in the case of an emergency. Baptism classes may be scheduled anytime during the year. Anyone who is planning to have a child baptized is required to attend a class, which you can attend before the birth of the child if it is more convenient. Please call the Parish Office (616-363-6885) to register for the class. Please note: If you’ve attended a baptism class for a previous child, you do not need to attend another class for subsequent children.
Adult Baptism
Baptism is the first step all Catholics take in beginning their faith journey following Jesus Christ!
The process of welcoming adults into the Catholic Church who wish to be baptized is known as the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA). Traditionally, baptism of adults take place at the Easter Vigil Mass on Holy Saturday evening. More information…
