The Sacraments of Christian Initiation --Baptism, Confirmation, and the Eucharist-- lay the foundations of every Christian life.

Baptism is an immersion in water where we die and rise with Christ.  It is a path of regeneration in the Holy Spirit.  It is an enlightenment communicating God's saving Revelation to the candidate.  By Baptism all sins are forgiven, original sin and all personal sins, as well as punishment for sin (Cf. Catechism, 12-14-1216; 1263) 

How necessary is Baptism?  The Lord Himself affirms that Baptism is necessary for salvation (Jn 3:5; Catechism, 1257).  Baptism is necessary for salvation, because Jesus Christ said: ‘ Unless you are born again of water and the Holy Spirit, you cannot enter the kingdom of God.’

However, those who genuinely desire Baptism or who suffer death for their Christian faith, but die before they can receive the Sacrament, are said to have received ‘Baptism of desire’ or Baptism of blood’. As for those who are not baptized before they die, we commend them in our prayers to the infinite mercy of God.

The meaning and grace of the sacrament of Baptism are clearly seen in the rites of its celebration. By following the gestures and words of this celebration with attentive participation, the faithful are initiated into the riches this sacrament signifies and actually brings about in each newly baptized person.

Celebrating Baptism at Holy Trinity Parish:

The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults best illustrates this.  The rituals include proclamation of the Word, acceptance of the Gospel through faith and conversion, the profession of faith, and the three Sacraments of initiation: Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist.  As a catechizing and celebrating community, the parish walks with the candidates in this journey.  In the Baptism of infants, the parents are led through a preparation process.

The Baptism of a new baby is a joyous time in the family and in Our Holy Trinity Parish family. Pre-baptism ministers help prepare parents and godparents for the awesome privilege of passing on Jesus’ love and teaching to the next generation; preparation classes are provided.

Trained catechists listen and share their personal experience being Catholic parents and the meaning of Baptism. We keep updated with meetings to share our concerns for the ongoing success of the ministry’s needs. We report regularly to Sr. Margaret Murphy who oversees our ministry. If interested call 832-7670.

Celebrating Infant Baptism:

As you prepare for the Baptism of your child, we, your parish community, offer you love and support.  Together, we begin to undertake the Christian upbringing of your child and offer you here the beginning steps in this lifelong journey of faith.

Baptism is a commitment to living and sharing the life and values of Jesus Christ within the family of the Church.  Since we cannot expect such a commitment from an infant, the Church looks to the faith of you, the parents, and to your active membership in the parish, as the basis for baptizing your child.

 Responsibilities of a Catholic Parent:
+ to ensure that your child lives in a home that reflects Catholic Church values.
+ to live as a model for your child.
+ to walk the journey of faith with your child, supporting, loving, and encouraging her/her.
+ to educate your child in the teachings of Christ and the Church.
+ to help your child become a loving, forgiving and reconciling person.

Before Requesting Baptism:
1.  Parents need to be active worshipping members of the Holy Trinity attending weekly Mass and participating in the life of the community.

2.  Be prepared to attend two meetings and an interview to discuss and learn more about Baptism and the responsibility of Catholic parenting.

In Choosing Godparents:

    Godparents act as loving support to the parents who have made the decision to baptize the child.  Since the Godparents are expected to be a role model of Christian living, they should be:

   a.  active mature members of the Catholic community (baptized and confirmed).
   b.  strong Catholic Christian witnesses to a life based on the values of Jesus.
   c.  willing to attend class before the baptism.

Choosing a name for your child:  Since the child is entering a Christian community, the Church strongly recommends choosing a saint's name.  This gives the child a connection with someone who has already walked the journey.

Contact: Joy Jones  (310) 548-6535 X-317