The origin and foundation of Christian Baptism is Jesus. Before starting his public ministry, Jesus submitted himself to the baptism given by John the Baptist. The waters did not purify him; he cleansed the waters. . . . Jesus did not need to be baptized because he was totally faithful to the will of his Father and free from sin. However, he wanted to show his solidarity with human beings in order to reconcile them to the Father. By commanding his disciples to baptize all nations, he established the means by which people would die to sin – Original and actual – and begin to live a new life with God.
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.
~from the United States Catholic Catechism for Adults
As Catholics we believe that baptism saves us from the Original Sin of Adam and Eve. The Sacrament of Baptism begins our journey of faith. Although most people receive the Sacrament of Baptism as infants, some are called to baptism later in life. Please click the ministries link at the top of our website for information on the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults.
Infant baptisms are celebrated on select Saturdays and Sundays at 1:30 PM. A Baptism Preparation Session is required for first-time parents.
Godparents play an essential role in our lives. They are called, at our baptism, to serve as a model of a Catholic life and catechesis. Below are the requirements for the Godparents:
At least 16 years of age
Have received the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist
Must attend Mass regularly
If married, they must be in a valid Catholic marriage
These requirements are the universal law of the Church, and are not determined by the individual Parish.
If the person you choose as a Catholic godparent fulfills these requirements, they are asked to furnish a statement from their parish that they are indeed eligible to be a sponsor. Sponsors from other Christian faiths are welcome to act as Christian Witnesses, but at least one godparent must be Catholic. Only one godparent is required to witness your child’s Baptism, but if you choose to have two, one must be male and one female. If a godparent cannot be present for the Baptism, a proxy may stand in his/her place.
If would like to find out more information about your child receiving the Sacrament of Baptism, or you feel God calling to become a member of His Church, please contact the Pastoral Assistant, Laura Sepesi, at lsepesi@olmwarren.org | 908.647.1075 x103.