Holy Baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life, the gateway to life in the Spirit (vitae spiritualis ianua) (Council of Florence: DS 1314: vitae spiritualis ianua), and the door which gives access to the other Sacraments. (CCC #1213)

The word “baptism” means to “plunge” or “immerse.”  This plunging does something beyond description.  It actually brings about a complete transformation of the person baptized.  They are “born again.”  Remember what Jesus said to the Pharisee Nicodemus: “No one can enter the kingdom of God without being born of water and Spirit” (Jn 3:5).  Baptism is that new birth.  And this is not simply some symbolic or inspiring statement.  Jesus is not just speaking in an analogous way.  He’s telling the truth!  Baptism is an actual new birth by water and the Holy Spirit.  The result of this new birth is that a new person emerges.  The old person enters into the water of baptism and dies.  Then the new person rises from those waters.  For this reason, the ideal form of baptism is full immersion.  The person is completely plunged into the water just as Jesus died and entered into the tomb.  And then, just as Jesus rose from the tomb, so also the newly created Christian rises from the waters.

Please fill out the form below and we will be in touch.

In they came.

Little girls in pristine white dresses. Hair exquisite with flowing veils. White shoes spotless. Little boys in sports coats, ties, and dress pants. Hair trimmed to perfection. Faces shining from one last scrub. Two by two, they ambled down the central aisle with eyes glowing, palms pressed gently together and a final bow at the altar as they peeled off to sit with their beaming moms and dads, grandpas and grandmas, sisters and brothers. The feel in the sanctuary was holy, but electric.

These were our children. This is our Church’s future.
This is First Holy Communion.
But what does it mean?

Please fill out the form below and we will be in touch.

It must be explained to the faithful that the reception of the Sacrament of Confirmation is necessary for the completion of baptismal grace (Roman Ritual, Rite of Confirmation (OC), Introduction 1). For “by the Sacrament of Confirmation, [the baptized] are more perfectly bound to the Church and are enriched with a special strength of the Holy Spirit. Hence they are, as true witnesses of Christ, more strictly obliged to spread and defend the faith by word and deed” (LG 11; cf. OC, Introduction 2). (Catechism #1285)

So what is the Sacrament of Confirmation all about? Is it just a nice maturity ritual within the Catholic Church? Is it simply your own adult decision to be Catholic? Is it your graduation ceremony from religious education classes?!? No, it’s not any of these.

Please fill out the form below and we will be in touch.