Baptism

Amen, amen, I say to you, no one can enter the kingdom of God without being born of water and Spirit. (John 3:5)

The sacrament of baptism ushers us into the divine life, cleanses us from sin, and initiates us as members of the Christian community. It is the foundation for the sacramental life.

At baptism, the presider prays over the water:

Father, look now with love upon your Church, and unseal for her the fountain of baptism. By the power of the Holy Spirit give to this water the grace of your Son, so that in the sacrament of baptism all those whom you have created in your likeness may be cleansed from sin and rise to a new birth of innocence by water and the Holy Spirit. (Christian Initiation of Adults, #222A)

Freed from Sin

Baptism frees us from the bondage of original and actual sin. Water is poured in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Today, the sacrament of baptism is often performed on infants, shortly after birth. Adult baptisms take place at the Easter Vigil through the restored Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults. Adults or children who have been baptized in a valid Christian church are not baptized again in the Catholic church. As we say in the Nicene Creed, “I confess one Baptism for the forgiveness of sins…”

The Catechism teaches:

"The fruit of Baptism, or baptismal grace, is a rich reality that includes forgiveness of original sin and all personal sins, birth into the new life by which man becomes an adoptive son of the Father, a member of Christ and a temple of the Holy Spirit. By this very fact the person baptized is incorporated into the Church, the Body of Christ, and made a sharer in the priesthood of Christ" (CCC 1279).

Baptismal Symbols

Water – The waters of baptism recall Jesus’ own baptism by John the Baptist in the river Jordan. Water is a symbol of cleansing and renewal as we begin a new life in Christ. We are washed clean of sin.
Oil – At baptism we are anointed into the life of Christ as “priest, prophet and king.” A cross is traced on the candidate’s forehead as a reminder that we are inheritors of the Kingdom of God.
Light – The baptismal candle is lit from the Paschal or Easter candle that stands in the church as a sign of Christ’s light in the world. At baptism, we receive the light of Christ and are called forth to share this light with the world.
White garment – The white garment that is placed upon us at baptism is a symbol of Christ’s victory over death and his glorious resurrection. Likewise, the white garment or pall that is placed over the coffin at the time of death recalls our baptismal promises and reminds us that we are destined for eternal life.

While in ordinary circumstances, sacraments in the Catholic Church are administered validly by a member of the ordained clergy, in an emergency situation, the sacrament of baptism can be administered by anyone.

In case of necessity, any person can baptize provided that he have the intention of doing that which the Church does and provided that he pour water on the candidates head while saying: “I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit" (CCC 1284).

Common Questions

Here are some common Questions and Answers about Baptism at St. John Cantius Parish

When do you perform Baptisms?

Our normal days and times are: on the First (1st) Sunday of the month at the 10:00 am Mass and on the Third (3rd) Sunday of the month at 1:00 pm. Other times are available but must be approved by the Pastor.
Can I bring a guest priest or deacon to perform the baptism?

Yes! You may. Please have the visiting priest or deacon contact the Pastor at least a week before the Baptism. If the visiting priest or deacon is from outside the Archdiocese of Philadelphia they must present a Letter from their Superior or Bishop stating that they are a priest in good standing. If they are from the Archdiocese of Philadelphia no letter is needed.
What do I need to do before the Baptism?

If this is your first child, or you have other children over the age of three (3) you must attend a Pre-Baptism Class (Pre-Jordan Class). We offer the class at St. John's on the second (2nd) Monday of the month from Sept to June at 7:15 pm in the Chapel Meeting Room (rear of Chapel near the garages). If you have another child under the age of three (3) and you attended Pre-Baptism class for them you do not need to attend another class. Pre-registration is needed for the class and to schedule Baptisms. Please contact the rectory at 215.535.6667 or baptism@stjohncantiusparish.org to schedule your class or Baptism.
Is there a cost for Baptism?

There is never a fee to perform a Sacrament in the Catholic Church. Usually a family will make a donation in thanksgiving, to either Father or to the parish after the Baptism ceremony.