“We ask you, Father, with your Son to send the Holy Spirit upon the water of this font. May all who are buried with Christ in the death of baptism rise also with him to newness of life. We ask this through Christ our Lord.   Amen.”  ~From The Rite of Baptism.

 

 This prayer, used to bless the water of baptism, tells the whole story of why Christians have celebrated this rite from the earliest days of church history.  Baptism makes us members of The Body of Christ, unites us with his death and rising, washes away sin and confers God’s abundant grace so that we may lead lives of holiness.  No small matter, even for a small child!

 

Baptism, by its very nature, is available to any person of any age.  Adult candidates for baptism are normally prepared for the sacrament through the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (R.C.I.A.), a process which culminates in all three Sacraments of Initiation  (Baptism, Eucharist, Confirmation) at the Easter Vigil. Prospective candidates should call the parish office to inquire about this process.  

 

At Christ the King Parish, parents who wish to have a child baptized attend two classes, on the first and second Sunday of the month from 2 to 3 p.m.  in the parish hall.  Currently these sessions are offered in Spanish.  For English baptismal preparation, please call the parish office to make arrangements.

 

Godparents must be at least 16 years old, baptized, confirmed practicing Catholics.  If married, the marriage must be in good standing with the church.