Baptism is the first sacrament we receive.  It has its roots in the Old Testament with the cleansing of the earth in the Great Flood from the story of Noah's Ark.  We see it as liberation when the Israelites cross the Red Sea from Egypt into the desert and also when they finally cross the Jordan River into the Promised Land.

In the New Testament, Jesus is baptized in the Jordan River by John the Baptist.  This event marks the beginning of Jesus' mission.  Before Jesus ascends into Heaven he tells his apostles, "All power in heaven and on earth has been given to me.  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, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.  And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age." (MT 28:18-20)

On Pentecost, the apostles begin their mission to preach to the entire world and to baptize: "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.  For the promise is made to you and to your children and to all those far off, whomever the Lord our God will call.  He testified with many other arguments, and was exhorting them, "Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.  Those who acepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand persons were added that day." (Acts 2:28-41)

Today we have a slightly different preparation program in place.  As the Church grew and people's understanding of original sin was formed, infant baptism became more prevalent.  Christian parents want their babies baptized.  Our focus here is on babies and children being baptized and how parental preparation is highly important.

The Catholic Church believes and teaches that it is the parent's primary responsibility to raise their child in the faith with the help of godparents, extended community and your parish.

Baptism Program Outline:

1. What is a sacrament?
2. What is Baptism?
3. Naming your child
4. Choosing Godparents
5. The Baptismal Rite
6. FAQ's and interesting links