Sacrament of Baptism

"In Baptism every Christian personally meets him; he is inserted into the mystery of Christ's death and resurrection and receives a new life, which is the life of God. What a great gift and what a great responsibility!" - Pope John Paul II, Homily Baptism of the Lord, 2003

Jesus became man to bring us into union with his Father. He said no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is first born of "water and the Spirit" (John 3:5)-this refers to baptism.

Through baptism we are born again, but this time on a spiritual level instead of a physical level. We are washed in the bath of rebirth (Titus 3:5). We are baptized into Christ's death and therefore share in His Resurrection (Romans 6:3-7).

Baptism cleanses us of sins and brings the Holy Spirit and His grace into our souls (Acts 2:38, 22:16). And the apostle Peter is perhaps the most blunt of all: "Baptism now saves you" (1 Peter 3:21). Baptism is the gateway into the Church.

At Epiphany Parish, Baptisms are usually celebrated on Sundays after the 9:30 am Mass.  Parishioners are asked to call the Parish Office to schedule the Baptism.

All parents wanting to baptize a child are asked to meet with Deacon Mark Cleary .    

On the Anniversary of Baptism, the Faithful receive a Plenary Indulgence, under the usual conditions, if they renew the Promises originally made on their behalf.

Baptism for adults is part of the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults

More information about baptism can be found in the Catechism of the Catholic Church (1213-1284)