"Jesus said “Amen, Amen I say to you, no one can enter the Kingdom of God without being born of water and spirit". - John 3:5
Baptism is the first of the sacraments of initiation into the Catholic Church. It makes us adopted children of God, incorporates us into Christ, pardons all our sin including original sin, forms us into God’s people, and makes us a temple in which the Holy Spirit dwells. To quote the Catechism, “Through baptism we are freed from sin and reborn as children of God; we become members of Christ, are incorporated into the Church, and made sharers in her mission.” In other words, baptism connects us to Christ, and through him connects us to all of the other baptized. In Baptism, the Holy Spirit moves us to answer Christ's call to holiness. In Baptism, we are asked to walk by the light of Christ and to trust in his wisdom. We are invited to submit our hearts to Christ with ever deeper love.
Anyone who has not already been baptized can receive the sacrament of baptism in the Catholic church. There are no age restrictions for baptisms; The baptism of infants is the most common form, but unbaptized children or adults who wish to join the faith must also receive the sacrament. Baptism confers a permanent relationship with Christ and his Church which lasts even should one cease to be an active member of the Catholic community. For this reason, a validly baptized Christian is never re-baptized and has the right to a Christian funeral.
Bishops, priests and deacons are the ordinary ministers of baptism, although anyone with the right intention may administer the sacrament in case of imminent death. The words for conferring baptism in the Latin Church are: "I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit."
We are excited to welcome you into our church through the sacrament of Baptism!
Communal Baptisms are celebrated in English the 2nd Sunday of the Month, and in Spanish the 4th Sunday of the Month.
Private baptisms may also be scheduled upon request.
"He who believes AND is baptized will be saved.”
- Mark 16:16
All required documentation must be turned in at least TWO weeks prior to the date of the baptism. If not, the baptism will be cancelled, and you will be charged a cancellation penalty of $50. Please arrive thirty (30) minutes before the time of the celebration. If you are late, the baptism may be postponed at the discretion of the celebrating priest.
* If the parents are not registered parishioners and wish that their child be Baptized at St. Agnes Church, they need a Letter of Permission from their home parish signed by the pastor and containing the parish seal/stamp.
* If one of the parents is not Catholic, professes another faith, or will be absent at the Baptism, a notarized letter (affidavit) giving St. Agnes the authority to Baptize the child is required.
* Godparents must at least 16 years of age, and they have to be fully initiated into the Catholic Church (i.e. Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist) and practice their faith.
* Both parents & Godparents must provide a certificate of completion of a baptismal class.
The baptismal class is given twice a month on the 1st & 3rd Monday at 7:00PM in Pastoral Center room 403. Registration for the baptismal class is required. Click here to register. Please call 305-361-2351 the day of the class to confirm your attendance.
