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Baptism

Christian initiation is accomplished by three sacraments together: Baptism which is the beginning of new life; Confirmation which is its strengthening; and the Eucharist which nourishes the disciple with Christ's Body and Blood for his transformation in Christ.

"Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you" (⇒ Mt 28:19-20).

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.

The essential rite of Baptism consists in immersing the candidate in water or pouring water on his head, while pronouncing the invocation of the Most Holy Trinity: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

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.

Baptism imprints on the soul an indelible spiritual sign, the character, which consecrates the baptized person for Christian worship. Because of the character Baptism cannot be repeated (cf. DS 1609 and DS 1624).

Those who die for the faith, those who are catechumens, and all those who, without knowing of the Church but acting under the inspiration of grace, seek God sincerely and strive to fulfill his will, are saved even if they have not been baptized (cf. LG 16).

Since the earliest times, Baptism has been administered to children, for it is a grace and a gift of God that does not presuppose any human merit; children are baptized in the faith of the Church. Entry into Christian life gives access to true freedom.

With respect to children who have died without Baptism, the liturgy of the Church invites us to trust in God's mercy and to pray for their salvation.

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 pours water on the candidate's head while saying: "I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit."

Baptism Preparation Class

Our Baptism Preparation Class is required for first time parents and is designed to prepare them for the Baptism of their baby. Anyone who needs a current understanding and instruction in the Sacrament of Baptism is also welcome to attend.

Please call Teresa Palmer at 513-367-9086 ext. 218 to register for the class or for more information.

Scheduling A Baptism

Things to know before scheduling your Child's Baptism:

If you are a first time parent, you must attend a Baptism Preparation Class prior to scheduling (see above).
You must either be a registered parishioner of St. John's (if you grew up in the parish, but have not yet registered with us as an adult, you must do so prior to scheduling), or supply a letter from the parish at which you're currently registered verifying that they have granted you their permission to have your child baptized at St. John's (this letter must be provided to us prior to scheduling).
At least one of your chosen godparents must be verified as eligible to serve as a Catholic godparent prior to scheduling. If a godparent is not a registered parishioner at St. John's, they must provide a completed godparent eligibility form, found here.

Requirements for Catholic Godparents:

“Each child may have a godfather and a godmother, the word ‘godparents’ is used in the rite to describe both.” (Rite of Baptism for Children 6) No more than one male and one female godparent may be chosen.
Only one godparent is necessary. The godparent must be a fully initiated Catholic (Baptized, Confirmed, received Eucharist), at least 16 years old, and must be leading a sacramental life in harmony with the church. (Cf. CIC, can. 874) The godparent should be willing to accept the responsibility of assisting the parents in developing the faith life of the child.
The godparent may not be the father or the mother of the one to be baptized. (Cf. CIC, can. 874) 4. Although people of some cultures sometimes choose multiple godparents, only two names can actually be entered in the Baptismal Register. (CIC, can. 873)
Godparents should be invited and encouraged to attend Baptismal Preparation in order to better understand their role as godparents. If they are from another parish, a godparent eligibility form or letter of recommendation from their pastor is required.
A baptized and believing Christian from a separated church or community may act as a Christian witness at the request of the parents, but there must be a Catholic godparent. (Cf. CIC, can. 874.)

When all prerequisites have been met, please call the Parish Office at 513-367-9086 ext. 217 for scheduling.