Baptism“Baptism is the first and chief sacrament of forgiveness of sins because it unites us with Christ, who died for our sins and rose for our justification. Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist constitute the ‘sacraments of initiation’ by which a believer receives the remission of original and personal sin, begins a new life in Christ and the Holy Spirit, and is incorporated into the Church, the Body of Christ. The rite of Baptism consists in immersing the candidate in water, or pouring water on the head, while pronouncing the invocation of the Most Holy Trinity: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 977, 1213,1275, 1278).
Through water, God can confer grace and mercy onto His most beloved creation. The Sacraments of Christian Initiation are the privileged path toward our Creator, and the Catholic Church is the steward of these great gifts. Through the Rite of Baptism, we are freed from original sin and born anew in the Spirit as children of the one, true God. The Greek word baptizein means “to plunge” or “to immerse.” The Rite of Baptism, therefore, does something to the one being baptized; it is efficacious. Baptism immerses the body and soul of the one being baptized into water, and the person rises a new creature - more beautiful and perfect than before. Christians are buried with Christ so that we may rise again to new life with Him. “Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? We were buried therefore with Him by baptism into death so that as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life” (Romans 5:3-4). But faith needs a community of committed believers. Baptism plants the seed of faith, but it must be nourished by learned followers. This is why Saint Mary of the Lake is committed to not only sharing the gift of Baptism with her parishioners, but also developing a deeper and more informed faith with all those who wish to have their child baptized. In that light, parents who desire Baptism for their child must be parishioners at Saint Mary of the Lake, attend Mass at Saint Mary’s every Sunday (or Saturday at 4:30), and attend the two baptismal preparation classes. We are a family, and family requires commitment, attention, and mutual care. These requirements will be explained more in depth during the classes. Dates and times of the classes: Class #1 is offered on the first and third Saturday of every month at 3:30 followed by attendance at the 4:30 p.m. Mass. Class #2 is offered on the second and fourth Saturday of every month at 3:30 followed by attendance at the 4:30 p.m. Mass. At least one parent and Godparent must attend both classes, but they may be divided however is most convenient for your schedule. That is, the classes do not need to be sequential or even in the same month. They only need to be attended before the date of Baptism. We hope to share this great day with you! We want to be present when your child is brought to new life and witness him or her grow into a loving and faith-filled Christian. To register for the classes - or if you have any questions, comments, or concerns - please contact our Director of Baptismal Preparation, Justin Kelley, SJ at jkelley@jesuits.org. The Celebration of Baptism Baptisms in English will only take place in two formats: either at 3pm in the context of a Liturgy of the Word (the first, third and fourth Sunday of the month) or During Mass on the second Sunday of each month (at 4:30 pm mass on Saturday, 8:00 am or 10:30 am on Sunday - 1 CHILD MAX per mass). Baptisms in Spanish will only take place in the context of mass at the 1:00 pm on any Sunday (1 child max). We do not celebrate Baptisms during Lent. Baptism requests will be confirmed upon submission of the following requirements:
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Contact:
mcarravallah@saintmarys.org Begin scheduling your child's Baptism by filling out the registration form. We need the form prior to scheduling.
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Saint Mary of the Lake Catholic Church | 4220 North Sheridan Rd. Chicago, IL 60613 | 773-280-7700
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