Baptism

Overview

“Holy Baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life, the gateway to life in the Spirit (vitae spiritualis ianua), and the door which gives access to the other sacraments. Through Baptism we are freed from sin and reborn as sons 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 in the word.’” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1213)

Many Catholics receive the sacrament of baptism as infants, in the presence of his or her parents and godparents. Through the saving waters of baptism, Catholics believe that we are washed clean from the stain of original sin (caused by the sin of Adam and Eve). The grace we receive in baptism also makes us children of God the Father and welcomes us into the Catholic Church.

At St. Mary’s, the SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM is usually celebrated on Saturdays. Two months' notice is required. To assist you with your request, please complete the Baptism Request form. Parents who are having their first child baptized will receive baptism preparation instruction. The date of baptism is finalized in consultation with one of our priests and the parish office.

Godparents for the Sacrament of Baptism must be Catholics who have received the sacraments of Eucharist, Confirmation and lead a life in harmony with the faith and the role to be undertaken.

If you have a school-aged child whom you would like baptized and prepared for Eucharist and Confirmation, you may be interested in the information available on our PREP page.

If you are an adult seeking Baptism, you must first enrol in the Roman Catholic Initiation for Adults referred to as RCIA. St. Mary’s RCIA meets on Tuesday evenings (Sept. – May) in the Parish Annex starting at 7:00 pm. For more information contact the parish office at 604.792.2764 or visit the RCIA page on our website.