Baptism, from the Greek word baptisma which means a "dipping" is the first of the three Sacraments of Initiation. It is the sacrament in which by water and the power of the Holy Spirit a person is cleansed of all sin, including original sin, and experiences birth into the new life of Christ.   

"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" -  Matthew 28:19

Baptism of Children ages 0 - 6

Do you have a new addition to the family? Congratulations. To begin the process of having a child baptized (age infant - 6 years of age) at St. Bernard parents should be registered members of St. Bernard prior to baptism and are required to attend a Baptism Preparation Sessions held prior to the scheduled baptism. 

The Baptism of infants and young children is celebrated during Weekend Liturgies at scheduled times through the year.    To find out more about how to celebrate this Sacrament read  -"Preparing your family and child for the Sacrament of Baptism."

Feel free to contact the parish office, 239-5178 2203 with any questions.  We look forward to welcoming your family member to our Church family

Baptism of  Children ages 7 and older

Once a child reaches the age of 7 they are considered by the Catholic Church to be of the age of reason.  Canon 97.2 defines an “infant” as one who has not yet completed his seventh year of age. That’s because once a child reaches the age of seven, he is presumed to have the use of reason, and is then capable of personal responsibility for his actions

This means if you have a child aged 7 or older, they will be participating in the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA), adapted for children. It goes without saying that at the practical level, children are under the care and authority of their parents for many more years. But canonically,  a child over the age of seven falls into the same category as an adult.

For more information on getting started in the RCIA for children please contact Cyndi in the parish office.

Adult Baptism (16 and above)

Adults who desire to become fully initiated Catholics that are not baptized or who were baptized in another faith tradition and desire to be Catholic take part in the process known as RCIA. You can read much more about this process by clicking here.