St. James the Greater and St. Thomas the Apostle

"In the name of the Father,
and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit"

Holy Baptism is the first sacrament of Christian initiation, the basis of the whole Christian life, the gateway to life in the Spirit (vitae spiritualis ianua), and the door which gives access to the other sacraments. It is the "first and chief sacrament of forgiveness of sins because it unites us with Christ." Through baptism we are totally cleansed and forgiven of all our sins, original and personal.

The Birth of a new child is a very happy and holy event. Therefore, when we introduce the child into the Church Community through Baptism, it calls for a celebration. Baptism preparation anticipates this celebration.

	Baptism

	"In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit" [Mat 28:19] Holy Baptism is the first sacrament of Christian initiation, the basis of the whole Christian life, the gateway to life in the Spirit (vitae spiritualis ianua), and the door which gives access to the other sacraments. It is the "first and chief sacrament of forgiveness of sins because it unites us with Christ." Through baptism we are totally cleansed and forgiven of all our sins, original and personal. The Birth of a new child is a very happy and holy event. Therefore, when we introduce the child into the Church Community through Baptism, it calls for a celebration. Baptism preparation anticipates this celebration.