Home > Sacraments > Baptism

Christian Initiation of Children
Baptism of infants usually takes place within the first few weeks after birth. The faith of parents, at least one being Catholic, together with the intention to raise their child in the Catholic faith, is a necessary prerequisite for celebrating the sacrament. The 1980 Instruction on Baptism and Canon Law both call for catechesis for parents and godparents regarding the responsibility they take upon themselves when they present their children for baptism.

Christian Initiation of Adults – RCIA
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) involves preparation for and the celebration of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist, which manifest the intimate relationship of these sacraments to one another. The process usually takes place within the context of a parish community or an intentional Catholic worshipping community, i.e. at a college or University. The dual foci of the RCIA for unbaptized adults are: the deepening conversion to Christ and full communion with the Church. The Rite also provides for the initiation of unbaptized children of catechetical age who will receive Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist together. Children who have reached the age of reason receive the three sacraments at the same time.