Baptism

Amen, amen, I say to you, no one can enter the kingdom of God without being born of water and Spirit. (John 3:5)

The sacrament of baptism ushers us into the divine life, cleanses us from sin, and initiates us as members of the Christian community. It is the foundation for the sacramental life.

At baptism, the presider prays over the water:

Father, look now with love upon your Church, and unseal for her the fountain of baptism. By the power of the Holy Spirit give to this water the grace of your Son, so that in the sacrament of baptism all those whom you have created in your likeness may be cleansed from sin and rise to a new birth of innocence by water and the Holy Spirit. (Christian Initiation of Adults, #222A)

Freed from Sin

Baptism frees us from the bondage of original and actual sin. Water is poured in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Today, the sacrament of baptism is often performed on infants, shortly after birth. Adult baptisms take place at the Easter Vigil through the restored Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults. Adults or children who have been baptized in a valid Christian church are not baptized again in the Catholic church. As we say in the Nicene Creed, “I confess one Baptism for the forgiveness of sins…”

The Catechism teaches:

"The fruit of Baptism, or baptismal grace, is a rich reality that includes forgiveness of original sin and all personal sins, birth into the new life by which man becomes an adoptive son of the Father, a member of Christ and a temple of the Holy Spirit. By this very fact the person baptized is incorporated into the Church, the Body of Christ, and made a sharer in the priesthood of Christ" (CCC 1279).

Baptismal Symbols

Water – The waters of baptism recall Jesus’ own baptism by John the Baptist in the river Jordan. Water is a symbol of cleansing and renewal as we begin a new life in Christ. We are washed clean of sin.
Oil – At baptism we are anointed into the life of Christ as “priest, prophet and king.” A cross is traced on the candidate’s forehead as a reminder that we are inheritors of the Kingdom of God.
Light – The baptismal candle is lit from the Paschal or Easter candle that stands in the church as a sign of Christ’s light in the world. At baptism, we receive the light of Christ and are called forth to share this light with the world.
White garment – The white garment that is placed upon us at baptism is a symbol of Christ’s victory over death and his glorious resurrection. Likewise, the white garment or pall that is placed over the coffin at the time of death recalls our baptismal promises and reminds us that we are destined for eternal life.

While in ordinary circumstances, sacraments in the Catholic Church are administered validly by a member of the ordained clergy, in an emergency situation, the sacrament of baptism can be administered by anyone.

In case of necessity, any person can baptize provided that he have the intention of doing that which the Church does and provided that he pour water on the candidates head while saying: “I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit" (CCC 1284).

Baptism for Children Up to First Grade

Because the Sacrament of Baptism washes away original sin, gives us share in God's own divine life and makes us heirs of the Kingdom of Heaven, the church urges parents to provide for the baptism of their children as soon as possible after their birth. The baptism of children prior to first grade is based upon the faith of their parents and godparents. Children who are in the first grade or older should be enrolled in the Rite of Christian Initiation for Children (RCIC) program through the school or the religious education program in order to be prepared for Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Eucharist.

The requirements for the Baptism of younger children (infants up to first grade) are as follows:

Requirements For Parents

1. The parents must be registered members of St. Thomas More or, if they belong to another parish, have a letter of permission from the pastor of that parish to baptize their child at St. Thomas More.

2. Parents should be practicing their Catholic faith by going to Mass on Sundays and living according to the teachings of the Catholic church. If not, they must at least have a willingness to begin to do so. They must also be committed to raising their child in the Catholic faith by teaching, example and by making sure the child receives the other sacraments of Confirmation and Holy Eucharist in the future.

3. Parents must register for and take the required baptismal preparation class. They must also supply a copy of the child's birth certificate. This can be done through the parish office by calling 361.888.9308.

4. Although parents do not have to be married in the Catholic church to baptize a child, they should seriously consider doing this in order to practice their Catholic faith more fully. The Sacrament of Marriage offers couples the necessary graces to help them be loving spouses and good parents. Once married in the church, parents are also able to set a good example for their children as well as helping themselves spiritually by going to Mass every Sunday and receiving the Holy Eurcharist. They can arrange for getting married in the church by consulting with one of the parish priests. Click here to view the Sacrament of Marriage page.

Requirements For Godparents

1. At least one godparent is required for baptism. If there are two godparents, then they must be a man and a woman

2. A godparent must be at least 16 years old, have received the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Eucharist, be regularly going to Mass on Sundays and receiving Holy Communion, and living according to the teachings of the Catholic church.

3. If the godparent is a single person, he or she must fulfill all the above and not be living with anyone outside of marriage. If they are married, they must fulfill all of the above and be married through the Catholic church.

4. Godparents must also attend the preparation class for baptism with the parents or attend it in the parish where they live.

5. A non-Catholic Christian cannot officially be a godparent, but if they are living their Christian faith, they can stand with a godparent as

a "Christian Witness" to the baptism.

Baptism Of Children From the First Through Eighth Grade

Once a child has reached the first grade, he or she has the ability to study and learn the Catholic Faith and the meaning of the sacraments. Therefore, the child is enrolled in the religious education program where he or she will be put with the appropriate age group and prepared to receive all the Sacraments of Initiation - Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Eucharist after two years of prepration classes. This usually takes place at sundown for the Easter Vigil on the evening before Easter Sunday. Click here to view the Religious Education page.

Baptism For High School Teens

If a high school student has not been baptized, the Director of Youth Ministry will meet with the young person to assess their religious background and preparation needs. They will work with them individually or as a group to help prepare the young person for the sacrament. Click here to view the Youth Ministry page.