Baptism

Baptism is the first sacrament celebrated in the process of becoming a full member of the Church community. It is the first of the three Sacraments of Initiation – Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist.

About The Sacraments of Baptism

Baptism is, like all the sacraments, a gift from God. Water is the universal symbol. Water is absolutely essential for all life. Water cleanses and restores. It is the waters of Baptism which give us new life. In accordance, through Baptism we also die to our old sinful selves in order to be restored and resurrected in the new life of Christ.

“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.” — Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1279.

Baptism for Infants

• Baptisms take place as scheduled with clergy.
• You must contact the Parish Office at 301-627-3255 to schedule the baptism. For first-time parents, there is a preparation meeting with Fr. Lahood. Schedule this meeting when contacting him to arrange baptism.
• Choosing Godparents:
  • Godparents should be chosen based on one’s ability to help you raise your child in the belief and teachings of the Catholic Church.
  • At least one godparent must be Catholic, and an active, registered parishioner of their parish.  That godparent must be at least 16 years of age, must have been Confirmed and have already received the most holy sacrament of the Eucharist, cannot be bound by any canonical penalty legitimately imposed or declared (i.e. married outside of the Catholic Church), and cannot be the father or mother of the infant to be baptized.
  • If the Catholic godparent is from out of town or from another parish, they need to obtain a letter of good standing from the Pastor of their own parish.
  • If Godparent cannot be present at the Baptism, they can be represented be a proxy (please discuss this with clergy)

Baptism for Adults and Older Children

Adults and children of the age of reason (approximately 7 years of age) participate in the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA). For information on RCIA classes for adults and older children, please contact the Parish Office at 301-627-3255 or parish@stmaryum.org.