Baptismal Preparation

At St. Paul Parish, the parents of a child to be baptized are required to attend a preparation session before the baptism can be scheduled. This is always true for the baptism of a first child, but for subsequent children only if the interval between baptisms is five years or more.

These sessions are held on the third Wednesday of each month at 7 P.M. in the Ephesians Room on the second floor of the school.  To register for a session, simply call the parish office at 875-2730.

In a deeper sense, baptismal preparation is an opportunity for parents to reflect on the meaning of their own baptism and its life-changing effects. This reflection should seek to discern from each person’s experience how life in Christ has thus far been revealed. Life in Christ is reflected in such things as virtuous habits, daily prayer, regular participation in the sacraments, fruitful personal relationships, works of charity, continuing efforts in Christian formation, lifelong education in the faith, and loyalty to the teachings of the Catholic Church.

When parents are committed to their own growth in the Christian life, the family can undertake with confidence the awesome responsibility of raising children to know and love Jesus and His Church.

The preparation session at St. Paul Parish is designed to help parents focus on the impact of the sacrament and the ways they can fulfill their role. There is ample opportunity to raise questions and discuss issues, such as the eligibility requirements for godparents. Parents are given pertinent reading materials and resources to help them in managing a Christian home.

Life in Christ begins at Baptism. In Him life never ends.