"Holy 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 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."
- Catechism of the Catholic Church
Baptism is a Rite of Initiation into the Catholic Church, a welcoming of your child into the Christian Family. Through the Sacrament of Baptism, we receive the grace of God and become sharers in the Church’s mission.
The Baptism of an infant is an expression of their parent's desires to share their faith with their child. Faith is a gift from God, a gift that needs to be nourished. This is done through prayer, Scripture readings, attendance at Mass on Sundays, receiving the Eucharist and being of service to others. In the sacrament of Baptism, your child is being initiated into the Catholic Church because you, as parents, are promising God and the Church to raise your child in the Catholic Faith. You are taking on a great responsibility of being the first teachers of your child in the ways of Faith. May your example of day to day living to be the best teachers of the Catholic Faith.
BAPTISMAL PREPARATION & REGISTRATION
First-time parents are required to attend a Baptism Preparation class prior to the Baptism of their child. These classes allow new parents the opportunity to dive deeper into the meaning and beauty of this First Sacrament and also to meet other parents who are in the same boat! Baptism Preparation usually takes place on Sunday afternoons at 1:30PM. Please register in advance by calling the Rectory at (908) 322-5192 x.100.
If you are an adult seeking to receive Baptism into the Catholic Church, please visit our RCIA (RIte of Christian Initiation for Adults) page to learn more about the process of preparation for Baptism.