The Sacrament of Baptism Catholics believe that 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.
Through Baptism a door is open and an opportunity is created for us to share and partner our lives in relationship with God.
But it does not stop here. Baptism is just the beginning of a lifetime journey. Each of us is called to walk in faithfulness to the promises our parents made for us at our own baptism and to run the race well as St. Paul said. To neglect the baptismal promises made, is a refusal, on our part, to live in the light of relationship with God. As humans we are built for relationship and that starts with God.
We find our fullest human potential, not in independence, but in dependence to God.
This seems counterintuitive to us.
Our own complacency or willful defiance always hinders and undermines our search for God.
We must endeavor to build bridges in all of our relationships. Our own self-constructed walls make
relationships impossible to maintain.
Jesus said “Truly truly, I say to you, unless one is born anew, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” Jesus further clarified his statement by saying, “Truly, truly I say to you, unless one is born of water and the spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God for that which is born of the flesh is flesh and that which is born of the spirit is spirit. Do not marvel that I said to you, you must be born anew.”
It is through the sacraments, which starts with Baptism, and a life that honors God, that we find "the way the truth and the life." This in turn leads to peace, guidance, and eternal life.
UPDATE OF PARISH BAPTISMAL POLICY - JAN 2014
We are getting an increased number of requests to baptize children of parents who are not members of Our Lady of Mount Carmel and Our Lady of Loreto Parish, along with requests to baptize on different dates and times other than the third Sunday of the month. Therefore, it has become necessary to clarify our policy regarding baptisms at Our Lady of Mount Carmel and Our Lady of Loreto Parish. These changes are effective immediately:
Baptisms will continue to be celebrated on the third Sunday of each month immediately following the10:30 Mass; other dates and times will be considered extraordinary circumstances and must re-ceive the permission of Monsignor Pedone.
Parents are required to attend baptismal instruction if the baptism is of their first child.
Parents must be registered members of this parish. We will allow the baptism of children whose parents are not members of this parish, provided parents supply a letter from their proper pastor granting permission for the child to be baptized at Our Lady of Mount Carmel and Our Lady of Loreto Parish.
Godparents must be fully initiated members of the Catholic Church, meaning they have received the sacraments of baptism, confirmation and Eucharist in a Catholic Church. They must also be practicing Catholics who attend Mass on a regular basis and must provide a letter or certificate from their pastor stating that they are practicing and eligible to serve as a godparent. If they are members of Our Lady of Mount Carmel and Our Lady of Loreto Parish, they must be approved by Monsignor Pedone. Confirmation certificates are not sufficient.
All certificates and letters must be in the parish office no later than one week before the scheduled baptism. Otherwise, the baptism will be postponed.