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 Christians are freed from sin and reborn as children of God, we become members of Christ, we are incorporated into the Church, and are made sharers in Her mission. To baptize means to “plunge” or “immerse”; the “plunge” into the water symbolizes the individual’s burial into Christ’s death, from which he or she rises up by resurrection with Him, as a new creature.
Baptism signifies and actually brings about the birth of water and the Spirit without which no one “can enter the kingdom of God.” It also constitutes the foundation of communion among all Christians, including those who are not yet in full communion with the Catholic Church (see Catechism of the Catholic Church, paragraphs 1213-1215, 1271; Matthew 28:18-20, Mark 16:15-16, John 3:3-8, 1 Corinthians 12:12-14).
Born with a fallen human nature and tainted by original sin, children also have need of the new birth. The sheer gratuitousness of the grace of salvation is particularly manifest in infant baptism. Baptism is the sacrament of faith. But faith needs the community of believers. It is only within the faith of the Church that each of the faithful can fully believe. The faith required for baptism is not a perfect and mature faith, but a beginning that is called to develop. (See Catechism paragraphs 1250, 1253; Mark 10:13-16).
For Adults
If you are an adult and are interested in exploring Christian baptism, we invite you to explore our faith in Jesus Christ, and membership in the Church that He founded. Please contact the Director of RCIA if you are interested in joining the Catholic Church through the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA).
mailto:bkoval@queenschurch.com
For Infants
If you are a parent and are interested in having your child baptised, please contact the parish office. To have your baby baptized into the Roman Catholic Church it is presumed that you, as parents, are currently actively participating in the Catholic Faith as practicing registered members of Queen of the Miraculous Medal Parish. In preparation for Baptism, it is required that for the first child, parents participate in a seminar that will prepare them for the baptism of their child. Celebration of the Sacrament of Baptism will take place at 1:15 p.m. in the church after the 12:00 noon Mass on the third Sunday of each month.
If the Godparents are not participating, registered members of Queen of the Miraculous Medal Parish, verification must be received from the parish in which they are participating and registered. Godparents must be at least 16 years of age and have received the Sacrament of Confirmation. For more information, contact the Joan Grant in the Parish Office.