 |  | Sacramental
Preparation -
Baptism | 
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| | | | - SIGNIFICANCE
The Roman Catechism offers the following definition: "Baptism is the sacrament of regeneration by water in the word" (per aquam in verbo). Baptism was instituted to confer upon us the beginnings of the spiritual Life, to transfer us from the state of enemies of God to the state of adoption as sons and daughters of God. This definition combines the physical and metaphysical definitions of baptism. "The sacrament of regeneration" is the metaphysical essence of the sacrament, while the physical essence is expressed by the second part of the definition of the sacrament (i.e. the washing with water (matter), accompanied by the invocation of the Holy Trinity (metaphysical form)). Baptism is, therefore, the sacrament by which we are born again of water and the Holy Ghost, that is, by which we receive in a new and spiritual life, the dignity of adoption as sons and daughters of God and heirs of God's kingdom.
- MANNER
Baptism is conferred on the recipient when a Priest or Deacon pours water over their forehead and recites the words of Baptism: I baptize you in the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
- MATTER
The matter of baptism is water, and this taken in its usual meaning. Theologians have said that "what we would ordinarily declare water" is valid baptismal material, whether it’s salt/fresh water, from a fountain/well/marsh, whether it’s clear/turbid hot/cold, colored/uncolored. Water from melted ice, snow, or hail is also valid. However, unmelted ice, snow, and hail are not considered "water". Dew, sulfur or mineral water, and condensed water from steam are also valid. If the water is a "mixture" with something else, it is held as proper matter if the water predominates and the mixture would still be called water. Invalid matter is every liquid that is not usually designated true water, such as: oil, saliva, wine, tears, milk, sweat, beer, soup, the juice of fruits. The vast majority of the time, Baptism is conferred by pouring water over the forehead and reciting the words of Baptism; sometimes partial immersion is preferred by the baptizee.
- VALIDITY
If it’s doubtful whether a liquid is considered "water" or not, it is not permissible to use for baptism except in case of absolute necessity when no certainly valid matter can be obtained. On the other hand, it is never allowable to baptize with an invalid liquid. There is a response of Pope Gregory IX to the Archbishop of Trondhjem in Norway where beer (or mead) had been employed for baptism. The pontiff says: "Since according to the Gospel teaching, a man must be born again of water and the Holy Ghost; those are not to be considered validly baptized who have been baptized with beer". The "formula" used for Baptism must be "I baptize thee in the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost" (or similar variant). If some other variant is used in a Protestant "baptism", a person entering into the Catholic Church must be rebaptized with the correct words. The normal baptizer is a Priest or Deacon, but in emergencies any person (lay Catholic, heretic, gnostic, etc.) can baptize AS LONG AS they intend to do what the Church does.
BAPTISMAL PREPARATION FOR INFANTS
Parents preparing for the Sacrament of Baptism for their child participate in a time of information sharing, informal discussion and prayer. Classes are held in the rectory on the first Wednesday evening of each month. To register, contact the rectory. You may choose to participate in a class before the baby is born. Baptisms are celebrated on Sundays at 12:45 P.M. by appointment. A Godparent/ Sponsor must be a practicing Catholic who has received the three Sacraments of Initiation – Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation and if married must be validly married according to Church rules. A non-Catholic Christian may be a Christian Witness. Those Catholics or non-Catholics from outside the parish must obtain a letter of recommendation from their pastor.
BAPTISM SCHEDULE
Celebrated every Sunday at 12:45 PM by appointment. At least one Godparent / Sponsor must be a practicing Catholic who has received the three sacraments of initiation – Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation. Those Catholics or non-Catholics from outside the parish must obtain a letter of recommendation from their pastor. Baptism class for parents is held the first Wednesday of every month. Call the rectory for reservations.
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