“Baptism is birth into the new life in Christ. In accordance with the Lord’s will, it is necessary for salvation, as is the Church herself, which we enter by Baptism” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, #1277)
After the resurrection of the Lord, Jesus commissioned His disciples to preach the Gospel message and baptize. The word Baptism means “immersion.” In Baptism, we immerse ourselves in the water as a sign of death to the old way of life, and come out of the water as new creations in Christ.
Our Baptism has its origins in the Baptism of Jesus. Before He began His public ministry, Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist. Jesus did not need to be baptized because He was free from sin and totally faithful to the will of His Father. Yes, He gave us a model of the need to die to self in order to do the will of God. Through Baptism we begin a new life in Christ.
Baptism if the first of the three sacraments of initiation, which include Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist.
Boyne Valley Catholic Community requires that all parents and Godparents participate in a Baptismal preparation session in order for their child to be baptized. The sessions can be coordinated through the parish offices. Please contact the office for more information.
If your child is of the age of reason (7 years) or older and has not been baptized, then you will be asked to participate in a Order of Christian Initiation process, where the youth will receive the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist. Please call the parish office for more information concerning this process.