The Sacrament of Baptism is the foundation of the whole Christian life. It is the means for the gift of faith and the gateway to life in the Spirit. It cleanses one from sin, gives access to the other sacraments, and incorporates the individual into the Church community.
"Baptism is God's most beautiful and magnificent gift... We call it gift, grace, anointing, enlightenment, garment of immortality, bath of rebirth, seal, and the most precious gift. It is called gift because it is conferred on those who bring nothing of their own; grace since it is given even to the guilty; baptism because sin is buried in the water; anointing for it is priestly and royal as are those who are anointed; enlightenment because it radiates light; clothing since it veils our shame; bath because it washes; and seal as it is our guard and the sign of God's Lordship." St. Gregory of Nazianzus.
Baptismal Information
Baptims can be scheduled during any mass the 1st Sunday of the month. Please contact Elaine in the parish office to set a date and time.
Parents must attend a baptismal preparation class with the pastor or deacons before the day of baptism. Please call Elaine in the parish office to set a date to meet with Fr. Fred or for the contact information for our deacons.
Godparents must complete and return Godparent/Christian Eligibility Statement forms before the day of baptism. Forms can be picked up in the parish office during office hours. For more information on the role of godparents, please click here.
Parents must complete the Data for Baptismal Register form before the day of baptism. This form can be picked up from the parish office during office hours.
All forms should be returned to the parish office during office hours or given to the priest/deacon at the time of the preparation class.
If you or anyone in your family would like to be baptized, please contact us at 202-250-8208.
Baptism