The parents and godparents are required to have an interview with the deacon or pastor, and attend a Preparation Class. Expectant parents are encouraged to attend the class prior to the birth of their baby.
Registration can be arranged by calling (413) 323-6272 x1 or by completing and submitting our online Baptism Registration form below:
WHAT IS THE SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM?
Baptism is the first of the “Sacraments of Initiation”; the others being Confirmation and Eucharist.
Holy Baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life, the gateway to life in the Sprit, 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 and in the word.”
He (man) becomes a “son of light”, indeed, he becomes “light” himself: Baptism is God’s most beautiful and magnificent gift…. We call it gift, grace, anointing, enlightenment, garment of immortality, bath of rebirth, seal, and most precious gift. It is called gift because it is conferred on those who bring nothing of their own; grace since it is given even to the guilty; Baptism because sin is buried in the water; anointing for it is priestly and royal as are those who are anointed; enlightenment because it radiates light; clothing since it veils our shame; bath because it washes; and seal as it is our guard and the sign of God’s lordship.
Baptism is only given once. It imprints in the soul an indelible spiritual mark, the “character”, which is the sign of Jesus Christ.
To read more: Catechism of the Catholic Church (1212-1284)