Has your family just been blessed with a newborn? Do you have an older child who wants to join the faith? Are you an adult who would like to become a Catholic? Our parish has a program for you. Please fill out the form at the bottom of this page and we will be in touch shortly.
Preparing for Baptism
If you are an adult and would like to prepare for baptism, the ordinary course for receiving the Sacrament of Baptism is the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults. RCIA is typically a two-year long process in which one engages with a group of other believers as they break open the Scriptures, and understand how Christ has spoken to us, and what the demands are of the Christian faith. When a person feels that they are prepared to receive the Sacrament of Baptism, they then receive it together with the Sacrament of Confirmation and the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist, the Body and Blood of Christ.
If you have a child over the age of seven but not more than 18 years of age, that child would go through the Rite of Christian Initiation for Children (RCIC). This typically is a several years-long process by which the child learns about the faith, is able to make a mature decision to embrace the Christian faith and living as a Catholic, the child is then Baptized, and then receives Confirmation and Holy Communion.
If you have a child under seven years of age, including newborns, your child may be baptized directly by a priest or deacon. Baptism is the sacrament by which one is freed of sin and brought into the life of the Church. When you are preparing a child for baptism, the consent of both mother and father is required. The mother and father will select a man and a woman to act as the child's godmother and godfather. At least one of the godparents must be a practicing Catholic (having had all of the Sacraments of Initiation, and if married, was married in the Church). The other godparent may be a Christian of any denomination, as long as they are Baptized. This is because the godparents will answer the questions on behalf of the child, such as: Do I believe in God? Do I believe in the Holy Catholic Church, the Communion of Saints, the forgiveness of sins, and the resurrection of the Body? They must have this faith themselves, that they might be able to communicate these beliefs to children.
The Sacrament of Baptism
Baptism is the sacrament by which one is freed of sin and brought into the life of the Church. Baptism washes away original sin, and incorporates one into the body of Christ.
Would you like to register yourself or your child for a baptism?
Parents are encouraged to have their children baptized within a few months of birth. Please fill out the form below or call Marsha at 718-229-5929 ext. 110 to get more information. A copy of the child’s birth certificate should be mailed to [email protected].
Here are the available dates for Group Baptism.
2023
DEC 2 - 11AM
DEC 17 - 1PM
2024
JAN 13 - 11AM
JAN 28 - 1PM
FEB 17 - 11AM
FEB 25 - 1PM
MAR 16 - 11AM
MAR 17 - 1PM
APR 6 - 11AM
APR 21 - 1PM
MAY 18 - 11AM
MAY 26 - 1PM
JUNE 8 - 11AM
JUNE 23 - 1PM
JUL 13 - 11AM
JUL 21 - 12nn
AUG 3 - 11AM
AUG 18 - 12NN
Older children and adults seeking Baptism, Confirmation, and First Holy Communion are initiated through the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA).