"Jesus said to them, “All power in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age." (Matthew 28:18-20)

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"Jesus said to Nicodemus, "Truly, truly, I say to you,        unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God." (John 3:5)

The Sacrament of Baptism 

is the basis of the whole Christian life, the gateway to life in the Holy Spirit, and the door that gives access to the other Sacraments. 

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. Baptism, the first and fundamental sacrament is the gate to the other sacraments. 

Baptism is the purifying and sanctifying sacrament of rebirth and the means by which its recipients are incorporated into the Church in a bond of unity. Baptism is the first sacrament of Christian initiation. It is the sacrament that frees a person from original sin and makes that person a member of Christ and His Church, thus being the way to a new and spiritual life. It is administered by immersing the candidate in water or by pouring water on the person's head “in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit”. One must be baptized before sharing in any of the other sacraments. 

Baptism is the foundation for all ministry and life in the Church and confers a commitment to follow Christ and spread His message throughout the world. Furthermore, in baptism, one is incorporated into the life, death, and resurrection of Christ, and thus participates in the gift of resurrection and eternal life with Christ.

Congratulations 

on the recent birth of your child! 

We are excited to assist you as you prepare for your child's Baptism. Of course, preparing for Baptism is often accompanied by planning the party, choosing the godparents, and buying a white gown, but it is also a lifetime commitment for parents and godparents to raise a child in the practice of the faith.

At St. Mark's, we want to help you understand and prepare for that commitment. Please remember that we are here to answer your questions and accompany you in this process as you now prepare to be the best parent or godparent that God is calling you to be.

Attention: 

• Parents must be registered and active Parishioners of St. Mark's

• Only parents can contact us to request their child's Baptism

• Please discuss the date of baptism with Fr. Sylwester

“Anyone who wishes to offer himself to God in the tent of Christ, which is the Church,   must first bathe in the spring of holy baptism.” 

St. Peter Damian