asdtasdfa

Baptism

 
The celebration of the sacrament of Baptism is the first initiation into the Christian Church. It comes to us as a directive from Jesus who said in Matthew’s Gospel that his disciples were to “Go … and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” (Matt: 28:19)
 
"Baptism is the way Eucharist begins, and Eucharist is the way baptism is sustained in the lives of the faithful. These two sacraments are thus fundamental to the whole sacramental system: the other sacraments make sense only to the extent that each of them relates to baptism." 
 
Through the waters of Baptism, we live again the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. “Baptism incorporates us into Christ and forms us into God’s people. This first sacrament pardons all our sins, rescues us from the power of darkness, and brings us to the dignity of adopted children, a new creation through water and the Holy Spirit. Hence we are called and are indeed the children of God.” The Catechism of the Catholic Church tells us that Baptism “gives one a share in the priesthood of Christ and provides the basis for communion with all Christians. It bestows … the gifts of the Holy Spirit. A baptized person belongs forever to Christ.” 
 
The celebration of Baptism is a time of joy and pride for the Church, as she welcomes another member. When people, children or adults, are baptized, they are baptized into a community of people who are attempting to live out the Christian faith. That is why involvement in one’s faith community is such an important aspect of Baptism.
 
For information about baptizing your child, contact your parish.
 
On March 31st, 2015, a policy for the baptism of children was implemented by the Archdiocese of Moncton.  Click here to download the policy in PDF. 
 
Resources:
  1. Catechism of the Catholic Church
  2. The Rite of Baptism for Children
  3. Theological Principles for Sacramental Catechesis by Aiden Kavanagh