“Go, then, to all peoples everywhere and make them my disciples; baptize them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit and teach them to obey everything I have commanded you. And I will be with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28: 19-20)

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)

Jesus begins his public life after having himself baptized by St. John the Baptist in the Jordan. After his resurrection Christ gives this mission to his apostles: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.” (CCC, 1223)

For all the baptized, children or adults, faith must grow after Baptism. For this reason the Church celebrates each year at the Easter Vigil the renewal of baptismal promises. Preparation for Baptism leads only to the threshold of new life. Baptism is the source of that new life in Christ from which the entire Christian life springs forth. (CCC, 1254)

At St Francis Parish, baptisms are arranged by appointment with our office. The parents attend a baptismal preparation course with our Baptismal Preparation team.

Generally, our parish offers baptism to infants, however, older children as well as adults may receive the sacrament of Baptism. Adults receiving this sacrament are required to attend the RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults) program; further details of this program are available on our website.

The Baptism Preparation Committee consists of Ellen McBride and Barbara Smith. For more information, please contact the church office.