Baptism is the first sacrament because it unites us with Christ, who died for our sins and rose for our justification, so that we too might walk in the newness of life.

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. (Catechism of the Catholic Church 977, 1214, 1216)

“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 sign of God’s Lordship.”

(St. Gregory of Nazianzus, Oratio 40, 3-4: PG 36, 361C)

Contact the Parish Office at 937-293-1191