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 (CCC, no. 1277).

The origin and foundation of Christian Baptism is Jesus. Before starting his public ministry, Jesus submitted himself to the baptism given by John the Baptist. The waters did not purify him; he cleansed the waters. "He comes to sanctify the Jordan for our sake...to begin a new creation through the Spirit and water" (St. Gregory Nazianzen, Liturgy of the Hours, I, 634). Jesus' immersion in the water is a sign for all human beings of the need to die to themselves to do God's will. Jesus did not need to be baptized because he was faithful to the will of his Father and free from sin. However, he wanted to show his solidarity with human beings to reconcile them to the Father. By commanding his disciples to baptize all nations, he established how people would die to sin -- Original and actual -- and begin to live a new life with God. - United States Catholic Catechism for Adults, p. 184.

 The Sacrament of Baptism celebrated by Deacon Eric Simontis

The baptism of infants is a treasured practice dating from the earliest tradition of the Church. Preparation for the baptism of infants is a teachable moment for both parents and the faith community. It can encourage them to re-examine the meaning of faith in their own lives. Baptismal preparation centers on God’s love, on the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, on the gift of the Holy Spirit to the Church and on the cleansing of original and personal sin. It should reflect on all life as a gift from God, on our being created to the image and likeness of God and on the blessing, we have in sharing life with God and with one another.

When Can a Child Be Baptized?
The law of the Church requires that parents see to it that infants are baptized within the first weeks after birth. Some pastoral considerations are to be noted in determining when the actual celebration will take place.
 
Preparation of the parents (and godparents) is to be accomplished well before the baptism is to occur.
 
The health of the mother must be considered to assure her presence, if feasible, at the celebration of the sacrament. Her faith, along with that of her husband and of the wider Christian community, is being celebrated and shared with the child.
 
Any Sunday is an appropriate time to celebrate baptism, since it is the day that commemorates the Resurrection of the Lord. At Saint Nicholas Parish, baptism is celebrated at 12 Noon on the fourth Saturday of the month, except during Lent and Advent, in which case, no Baptisms will be conferred. 

Who May Be Baptized at Saint Nicholas Catholic Church?
Parents who have been registered in our parish for at least three (3) months may inquire about baptism for their child. Be sure to introduce yourself to the parish priest and deacon if you do not already know him personally. Open yourself to the invitation to actively join the faith community of your parish. If you are not active parishioners at Saint Nicholas Parish, please consider becoming involved in the prayer and celebration of the Sunday Eucharistic community.

What Is the Form of Baptism?
Baptism is conferred either by immersion in or pouring of water. Immersion is encouraged, but at Saint Nicholas Parish, most are done by pouring.

Is there an application form or other permissions required?
Saint Nicholas Parish requires a Baptismal Application and the Godparent Form to be completed and submitted as soon as possible, but certainly no later than two weeks before the date of baptism. Please click the links for arranging your child's Baptism, and Baptismal Application, and the Godparent/Sponsor verification form, located above. 
Arranging Your Child's Baptism 
Baptismal Application
Godparent/Sponsor Verification Form

Is there a required Baptismal Preparation Class that we need to attend?
It is extremely important to take your faith-life seriously because, before God, you have taken on an awesome responsibility for the salvation of another—your own child! Your commitment and openness to baptismal preparation will help develop the faith-life of your child as they mature. A Baptism Preparation Class is required for parents. The class is offered on the Second Sunday of the Month, following the 11:30 am Mass. Parents must register for the class in order that the class instructor can have all the necessary items and handouts for class.
  
The Role of Godparents
A person may only have one or two godparents (also called sponsors); if two are chosen, they must be male and female.
 
In order for someone to be eligible as a godparent they must be chosen by the parents, have the ability and the intention to fulfill the role, be at least 16 years of age, and be a confirmed Roman Catholic, who has already received the Most Holy Eucharist, is leading a life in harmony with the Catholic Faith (including Marriage) and will be a good role model for the one being baptized, and be neither the father nor the mother of the child.
 
A baptized person who belongs to another Christian community may be admitted only as a “Christian witness” (not a godparent) provided that there is at least one Roman Catholic godparent who fulfills the above criteria. A non-baptized person cannot be a witness (Code of Canon Law, cc. 872-874; Catechism of the Catholic Church 1255).
 
Finally, the required form for Godparents must be completed and submitted with the Pastor’s approval and signature prior to the Baptism.
 
When Should a Baptism Be Scheduled?
Contact the Baptism Coordinator early in the pregnancy before any family plans are made; that is at least six months before any date is formalized. This early contact enables parents to be scheduled for the necessary sacramental formation session before the child's baptism. It also allows time for sponsors to obtain letters from their parish pastor. Once the formation date is set and proper permissions are received, then a baptism date can be scheduled.
 
Baptismal Offering
In gratitude for receiving the Sacrament of Baptism, Christians give an offering for what they have received generously from God. The free will offering does not go to the priest or deacon, however, if you wish, you may offer a separate gift to the clergy.
 
Contact
For more information or to register for the preparation class, contact Luz, our Baptism Coordinator, at (301) 742-5965 or [email protected].