Baptism

The first sacrament that Christians receive is Baptism. Holy Baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life, the gateway to life in the Spirit and the door which gives access to the other sacraments. Through Baptism we are freed from sin and reborn as sons and daughters 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 in the word. The water of Baptism is both the washing away of sin and incorporation into the living water which Christ promises to those who follow him.

For Infants

The Sacrament of Baptism is celebrated on Sundays immediately following the last Mass. The celebration of Baptism alternates between the two Churches in our parish. Baptisms at St. Bernard Church are held on the 1st, 3rd and 5th Sundays of the month.  Baptisms at St. Matthew Church are held on the 2nd, 4th and 5th Sundays of the month.  Parents wishing to have their child baptized must first be registered in the Blessed Sacrament Parish. If you are not already registered please: Click here to register online or Click here to download a registration form in Adobe PDF format.

To assure that parents have a full understanding of what it means to have their child Baptized into the Catholic faith, they will be asked to attend one learning and faith-sharing gathering where they will meet with a mentor along with other parents who are preparing to have their children baptized.  

The gathering dates for  2024 are as follows:  January 10,  February 7,  March 13,  April 3,  May 8,  June 12,  (No class in July),  August 14,  September 11,  October 9,  November 13 and December 11. 

Please call the Parish Secretary (860-872-0200 x 2) or email at parishoffice@cath-comm.org) to register for the class.

At least one Godparent must be a Confirmed Catholic and all Confirmed Catholic Godparents must provide a copy of their Confirmation Certificate (with the Church's seal) before scheduling the Baptism.  The Certificates must be received at least two weeks prior to the date of Baptism.

Parents are asked to call the Parish Secretary at 860-872-0200 X 2 (or email at parishoffice@cath-comm.org) and arrange to participate in the Baptism program.

For Adults: Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA)

The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults is the process through which a person who is not baptized or baptized in another faith denomination is fully initiated in the Catholic faith. The OCIA journey includes converts and Catholics who have not received first communion or confirmation. The OCIA group  journeys together in a process of instruction and formation. There are four steps in this process which culminates at the Easter Vigil with the celebration of the Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist. The parish community, through its prayers, witness, worship, service, and catechesis, offers the invitation and support for the men and women to be initiated into the Catholic Church. Weekly meetings are held beginning in September and ending in May.

For more information contact:
Brian Carey.