The Sacrament of Baptism was instituted by Jesus Christ to transmit His divine life, cleanse one from the stain of original sin, and bring us into His Holy Church. By commanding His disciples to baptize all nations, He established the means by which people would die to sin and begin to live a new life in God. 

The usual practice for Catholics is to be baptized as infants. The gift of faith that is enkindled in the soul of baptized children is then entrusted to his or her parents and godparents to be kept burning brightly and strengthened through on-going formation. First-time parents are asked to participate in a baptism preparation class in order to learn of their responsibilities in raising their child in the faith and the various aspects of the baptism ritual.

Since Sunday is set aside as holy, the day of the Resurrection, it is the preferred day for celebrating baptism. Our parishes’ practice is to either celebrate the sacrament of baptism within or outside of Mass.

Parents are encouraged to schedule the baptism of their child shortly before or after the birth of their child. To register for a baptism class and/or schedule your child’s baptism, please contact the Eastside Parish Office.