Baptism

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. Catechism of the Catholic Church 1213

Infant Baptism

Baptism is the first Sacrament of Christian Initiation. Baptism of infants is normally celebrated on a quarterly basis during the regularly scheduled Masses. 

Parents are expected to participate in a Baptismal Preparation Class.

If you would like to schedule a Baptism or Preparation Class, please contact the parish office at (757) 481-5702.

Parents are asked to choose someone to serve as godparent or sponsor for their child.  Since the sponsor’s role is to assist parents in passing on the faith in which the child is being baptized, parents should choose someone who will take the role seriously and will be a good role model for the child.  

The Catholic Church asks that a sponsor, together with the child’s parents, present the child for baptism. The sponsor must be a confirmed and practicing Catholic, at least 16 years old. The role of the sponsor is to help the child lead a Christian life in keeping with the child’s baptismal dignity. A baptized person of a non-Catholic Christian community may serve, together with a Catholic sponsor, as a Christian witness of the baptism. A Christian witness of the baptism, like the sponsor, should be a practicing Christian, at least 16 years old, and willing to help the child lead a Christian life. Sponsors and Christian witnesses are frequently called godparents. Holy Family will record at most two godparents in the parish baptismal register, at least one of whom must be a sponsor as described in the first paragraph.

Adult Baptism

See Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA)

"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."
--Matthew 28:19-20