In the Catechism of the Catholic Church we read, “Holy Baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life, the gateway to life in the Spirit, 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.” (CCC#1213)
Newborn/ Small Child Baptism
At St. Dominic's and St. John the Baptist's, baptisms are celebrated by our pastor, Father John Cyr. Please call the parish office of where you would like the baptism to take place to schedule a date and time for the baptism. Children from newborns up until their 7th birthday, can be baptized without any prior catechesis. If this is your first child to be baptized, then a baptismal preparation class is scheduled prior to the baptism taking place.
Older Child Baptismal Requirements
If a child between the ages 7-14 years old is to be baptized, the Catholic Church requires that a catechesis take place and the child be educated about what is going to take place prior to the baptism and the commitment to the faith following baptism.
Adult Baptism
In the eyes of the Catholic Church, one is an "adult" in the faith at the age of 14 years old. In order to be baptized and enter into the Catholic Church as an adult one must complete the RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults). The RCIA Program begins formation classes in late August/early September pending on when Easter falls that year on the calendar and meets weekly until the Easter Vigil, when one would be received into the Catholic Church.
In danger of death, anyone can baptize.