Baptism

“Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, 
baptizing them 
in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.” 
(Matthew 28:19-20)

The Sacrament of 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 children 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 and in the word." Baptism is birth into the new life in Christ. In accordance with the Lord's will, it is necessary for salvation, as is the Church herself, which we enter by Baptism.

The Rites of Christian Initiation include three sacraments together: Baptism which is the beginning of new life; Confirmation which is its strengthening; and the Eucharist which nourishes the disciple with Christ's Body and Blood for his transformation in Christ.

Preparation for Baptism is critical.  Therefore, parents are asked to contact the Parish Office shortly after the birth of their child.  All information that is necessary to record the Sacrament in the Church records will be taken at that time.  Please note the following:

For Infants

Parents are the most important people taking part in the Baptism Rite. It is their "yes" that makes it possible for the sacrament to be conferred and for the child to begin life as a member of Christ's Church. For a child to be baptized at Mary Queen of Peace, the parents must be members of our parish and faithful Catholics. To assure that parents have a full understanding of what it means to have their child baptized into the Catholic faith, all first time parents will be asked to attend a Baptismal Preparation Class. This meeting will focus on the meaning and purpose of Baptism, its significance to the faith community, and the ritual that accompanies the Baptism.  The class is held on the first Tuesday of the month at 7:00pm in the Rectory.  Please contact the Parish Office to sign up for a class.

GODPARENTS: A godparent’s primary role is to model what it means to live as a Catholic Christian. Parents are asked to identify godparents (one male and one female) for the child to be Baptized.  At Least one of the two godparents must be a practicing, fully initiated Catholic (Having received the Sacraments of Baptism, First Communion, & Confirmation).  A non-Catholic Christian of another denomination is known as a Christian witness, and is permitted to stand with the Catholic godparent.  Godparents and Christian witnesses must be at least 16 years of age.

DATES/TIMES FOR BAPTISM: The Sacrament of Baptism is usually celebrated on Saturdays and Sundays after Mass in Church.  Baptisms can also be celebrated at a mutually agreed upon time and date with the parish priests/deacons. The Parish Office Manager and the Parish Priests will help you schedule the Baptism. (It is a custom of the Catholic Church not to celebrate Baptisms during the season of Lent, unless there is an extenuating circumstance.)

For School-Age Children: Rite of Christian Initiation for Children (RCIC)

Children who have reached the age of reason, (usually seven or older), who have not been baptized or who have been baptized in another faith, or who have not received the Sacrament of the Eucharist at the traditional age, may seek membership and the Sacraments of Initiation in the Catholic Church through this process. This process requires both a conversion that is personal and the faith education they need for their spiritual growth. The children’s progress depends on the help and example of their companions and the influence of their parents. Parent involvement is essential. Contact the rectory at  314-962-2311.

For Adults: Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA)

The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults is the process in which a person who is not baptized or baptized in another faith denomination journeys with others like them and other Catholics to be fully initiated in the Catholic faith. It is a process of formation. The formation process culminates at the Easter Vigil with the celebration of the Sacraments of Initiation, Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist. The RCIA is not simply another parish program. The entire parish community, through its prayers, witness, worship, service, and catechesis, offers the invitation and support for the men and women to initiated into the Catholic Church. Weekly meetings are held beginning the first week of September and continuing through the Easter Vigil. Sign up in August.  Learn more.

OFFERING TO PARISH: Some families wish to give a free will offering to the parish. Some also choose to make an offering to the priest or deacon.  The amount of such a gift is up to the family’s discretion.

Please call the Parish Office at 314-962-2311 to sign up for the Baptism Preparation Class, arrange your child's Baptism or for more information.

We share in your joy at the birth of your child.  We pray that as your family grows, your faith will deepen and grow as well.

     
     Nolan Reid,
     Son of William and Alicia Kersting
     July 2021

William Loran,
son of Suneal and Claire Menzies