Baptism
The Sacrament of Baptism is one of the three Sacraments of Christian Initiation (along with Eucharist and Confirmation) through which Catholics are incorporated as full members of the Church. Holy Baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life, the gateway to life in the Spirit, and the door which gives access to the other sacraments. Through Baptism we are freed from sin and reborn as sons of God; we become members of Christ, are incorporated into the Church and made sharers in her mission: "Baptism is the sacrament of regeneration through water in the word."
From the Catechism of the Catholic Church, "Baptism is God's most beautiful and magnificent gift....We call it gift, grace, anointing, enlightenment, garment of immortality, bath of rebirth, seal, and most precious gift. It is called gift because it is conferred on those who bring nothing of their own; grace since it is given even to the guilty; Baptism because sin is buried in the water; anointing for it is priestly and royal as are those who are anointed; enlightenment because it radiates light; clothing since it veils our shame; bath because it washes; and seal as it is our guard and the sign of God's Lordship"
From the Catechism of the Catholic Church, "Baptism is God's most beautiful and magnificent gift....We call it gift, grace, anointing, enlightenment, garment of immortality, bath of rebirth, seal, and most precious gift. It is called gift because it is conferred on those who bring nothing of their own; grace since it is given even to the guilty; Baptism because sin is buried in the water; anointing for it is priestly and royal as are those who are anointed; enlightenment because it radiates light; clothing since it veils our shame; bath because it washes; and seal as it is our guard and the sign of God's Lordship"
Infant Baptism
We are blessed with many Baptisms per year. We reserve the 1st and 2nd Sunday of each month for Baptisms at 12:30 (following the 11:00 AM Mass). Expectant parents should contact the Parish Office at least 2 months before the birth of the baby to arrange for a Baptism Preparation Class. Baptismal Preparation Classes are scheduled at St. Lawrence O'Toole for the 2nd Wednesday of the month at 7:30 pm in the Parish Office. Please call the Parish Office at (708) 748-6090 to register for this class.
Godparents
The Church requirements for Roman Catholic Godparents are:
A child must have one practicing Roman Catholic godparent in good standing with the Church. This Catholic godparent usually must be at least 16 years old and be mature enough to understand, accept and carry out the duties of a godparent. A godparent must have received the Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation.
For more information on Baptism, or to check available dates, please contact the Parish Office at (708) 748-6090 x100
A child must have one practicing Roman Catholic godparent in good standing with the Church. This Catholic godparent usually must be at least 16 years old and be mature enough to understand, accept and carry out the duties of a godparent. A godparent must have received the Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation.
For more information on Baptism, or to check available dates, please contact the Parish Office at (708) 748-6090 x100
