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The Sacrament of Baptism is the first sacrament that a person celebrates and the first of three sacraments referred to as “the sacraments of initiation.” Through baptism, a person begins a new life with Christ, becoming a child of God and a Christian. It is the first step in a life in which one strives to become more and more like Christ. Baptism symbolizes and brings about a union with Christ’s death and resurrection. Baptism also creates a bond of unity that links all those who have been baptized.
The ordinary minister of baptism is a priest or deacon. Baptism requires the pouring of water and the pronouncement of the words “I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.”
The Church baptizes young children based on the desire, in faith, of their parents or legal guardians. Because children younger than seven do not yet have the ability to understand the meaning of baptism, and it rights and responsibilities, their parents are responsible for:
Baptism is generally celebrated on the 2nd Sunday of each month during any of the week-end Masses, except during the season of Lent.
Parents are expected to attend a single preparation class. Please call the parish office at 518-489-5408 or email Elizabeth to register. Class will not be held if no one has registered.
Recognizing their right and ability to take an active role in considering and preparing for this life-changing step, the Church provides a special process called The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (R.C.I.A.) for anyone, seven years old or older, who wishes to be baptized Catholic. The R.C.I.A. is also for anyone who was baptized Catholic but not raised in the faith and did not celebrate the sacraments of Confirmation or Eucharist/Communion, or for a person who was raised in a different faith and is considering becoming a Catholic.
The R.C.I.A. consists of gatherings over a number of months that provide an education and immersion experience in the Catholic faith. There are separate groups for adults and children.
The R.C.I.A. is divided into four stages and the stages are marked by rituals of blessing and commitment. The stages are intended to overlap and be open-ended, based on the needs of the participant: