Baptism


Baptism is one of the three sacraments of Christian Initiation (along with ConfirmationEucharist and ) through which Catholics are incorporated as full members of the Church.

  • Baptism is the foundation for the Christian life;
  • Gives sanctifying grace, that is, God's life;
  • Gives the baptized a new birth in which he or she becomes a child of God;
  • Cleanses people from original sin and any personal sin (older children & adults);
  • Incorporates members into the life, practices and mission of the Church;
  • Imprints on their souls an indelible character that prepares them for worship, and is necessary for the salvation of those who have heard the gospel.

Infant Baptism (for children up to age 7)..

  • Infant Baptism (for children up to age 7) is celebrated several Sundays each month at 3:00 P.M.  Baptism is also celebrated at the 12:00 Mass one Sunday a month.
  • The Baptism rite in Spanish is celebrated once a month on Sunday afternoon, and twice a month at the 1:30 PM Spanish Mass.
  • The Church teaches that parents are the primary educators of their child in the faith. In keeping with this belief, parents presenting an infant for Baptism must participate in a Baptismal Preparation session. 
  • Baptismal Preparation is offered at St. Mike's one evening a month in English, and once a month in Spanish.  Preparation focuses on the spiritual and practical aspects of Baptism. The months of pregnancy, or waiting for an adoption to finalize, are perfect for preparing yourselves to become the faith-filled parents that your new child will need. Preparation sessions are scheduled from 7-9 PM on October 18, November 8 and December 20.
  • Topics covered:
    • Role of parents and godparents
    • Reflection on needs of the family and expectations of the Church
    • History of the Sacrament
    • Meaning of the Sacrament
    • Explanation of the Rite of Baptism and the symbols that are used
  • To register for the Baptismal Preparation session, and to make arrangements for the Baptism of a baby or child under 7 years old, please call Marcia Farrell or Helen Moran in the Parish Office at (708) 349-0903. 

Baptism for children age 7 through 8th grade..

  • Baptism for children age 7 through the completion of 8th grade is celebrated following the completion of a preparation process similar to the adult preparation.
  • At St. Michael Parish, parents participate in our CSI (Catholic Sacramental Initiation) preparation sessions along with their child. 
  • To make arrangements for the Baptism of a child age 7 through 8th grade, and for more information on the preparation process, contact the Religious Education Coordinator, Karen Boyle at (708) 873-4633.

Baptism for adults (High School age and up)..

  • Baptism for adults (High School age and up) is celebrated at the yearly Easter Vigil liturgy the evening before Easter Sunday. These adults receive their First Eucharist and Confirmation at that same liturgy.
  • Preparation takes place through the RCIA process (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults).
  • To make arrangements for the Baptism of an adult and for more infomration on the RCIA process, contact the RCIA Director, Sr. Marietta Umlor at (708) 873-4634

If an adult or child has been baptized in another Christian faith whose Baptisms are recognized by the Catholic Church, that person enters the Catholic Church by making a Profession of Faith in what our Church believes and professes. Depending on the age of the person, information regarding Profession of Faith can be obtained through the person listed above who is responsible for that age group.