What is Baptism?
The Sacrament of Baptism is the first of three sacraments to become full members of the Catholic Church. In Baptism, a person becomes a follower of Jesus and a member of the Catholic Church. The beautiful symbols of the rite: water, candle, oil, and a white garment, all point to one’s rebirth as a son or daughter of God, dying to sin, and following the light of Christ. For an infant or young child, the parent(s) will make their profession of faith for them, and accept the responsibility of being the primary educators of their child’s faith.
We read in Scripture that Jesus loved children and called them to himself: “Let the children come to me, and do not prevent them; for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” (Matthew 19:14) Baptism is the first step for children to come to Jesus, and to begin a life-long journey of faith to know, love and serve the Lord.
Click here for a presentation for Parents who are looking to baptize their child
Click here for information on Being a Godparent
How do we Baptize our child?
If this is your first child, or if you have never participated in a baptism preparation program, there is a required information session. The meeting will briefly cover the theology of Baptism, the actual rite or ceremony, and some ideas on introducing the faith to young children.
Baptism for older children & adults
An older child or adult typically enters the church through a different process, called the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (The OCIA). Patterned after the rich ancient tradition of the Catholic Church, participants in the RCIA spend several months in study, prayer, and preparation to receive the sacraments of initiation: Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist.
You are invited to learn more about the Order of Christian Initiation for Adults, the typical process for adults to be baptized in the Catholic Church. Please contact Deacon Stephen in the office at 203-453-2788 x206 or by email at dcn.yatcko@aohct.org.