“Holy Baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life, the gateway to life in the Spirit (vitae spiritualis ianua),4 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.”5 This sacrament is called Baptism, after the central rite by which it is carried out: to baptize (Greek baptizein) means to “plunge” or “immerse”; the “plunge” into the water symbolizes the catechumen’s burial into Christ’s death, from which he rises up by resurrection with him, as “a new creature.”6
The Catechism of the Catholic Church, #1213 and #1214
St. John the Baptist offers the Sacrament of Baptism during or after Mass. All families baptizing their first child must attend a Baptism Preparation Class. In order to schedule the class and baptism, parents should complete the Baptism Request Form and contact the parish office two months prior to the birth of their child. You can contact the Parish Office at 952-474-8868 or stjohns@stjohns-excelsior.org. To fill out the Baptism Request Form, please click here.
Contact:
Parish Office
952-474-8868
stjohns@stjohns-excelsior.org