Baptism

Baptism is the first of the "sacraments of initiation." (The other two are Eucharist and Confirmation.) When a person is baptized, s/he is received into the Church and is called a "child of God." One of the effects of baptism is the washing away of original sin. Therefore, it is a sacrament of both purification and incorporation — when one is cleansed of sin and "puts on Christ." One must be baptized before sharing in any of the other sacraments.
In the Rite of Baptism, specific symbols are used to mark this incorporation: water, Chrism Oil (a scented oil consecrated by the Bishop during Holy Week), a white garment and a lighted candle. While fresh water is all that is required for the sacrament, the other symbols reinforce the themes of incorporation and freedom from sin. Baptism is received only once in a person's life.
Arrangements for baptisms should be made by calling the Rectory for an appointment.