Baptism

About Baptism

Baptism is the first of the three Sacraments of Initiation and opens the gates to the rest. Baptism washes us of original sin and allows us to have new and eternal life in Christ. It is a joyous ceremony in which we celebrate rebirth. 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. Baptism is the first of the three Sacraments of Initiation and opens the gates to the rest. Baptism washes us of original sin and allows us to have new and eternal life in Christ. It is a joyous ceremony in which we celebrate rebirth. 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.

The following are required in a Baptism ceremony:

1) The person must be washed with baptismal water during the ceremony
2) The celebrant says “I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.”

Baptism for Children

Normally for children under age 7. After submitting a request to the parish office, parents must receive child baptism education before having their child baptized on the scheduled date. At least one parent must be a member of the Catholic church. Child baptism is typically held during Sunday Mass. Children age 7 or older must go through the RCIC process.

Baptism for Adults

“For adults today, the Church, after the Second Vatican Council, has restored the order of the Catechumenate in the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA). It outlines the steps for the formation of catechumens, bringing their conversion to the faith to a greater maturity. It helps them respond more deeply to God’s gracious initiative in their lives and prepares them for union with the Church community. This process is meant to form them into the fullness of the Christian life and to become disciples of Jesus, their teacher.

At St. Thomas, RCIA classes begin every September. Classes are held in Korean on Sundays at 9:45AM in Thomas Hall (English RCIA classes tbd).