The believer enters through Baptism into communion with Christ's death, is buried with Him, and rises with Him:

"Do you know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptzed into his death? We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life".  (Romans 6:3-3; cf. Colossians 2:12)  

The baptized have "put on Christ" (Gal 3:27). Through the Holy Spirit, Baptism is a bath that purifies, justifies, and sanctifies (1 Cor 6:11; 12:13).  - (Catechism of the Catholic Church, no. 1227) 

Baptism is the first of the three Sacraments of Initiation; the other two are Confirmation and Eucharist. In the waters of Baptism, we become members of the Body of Christ--God's People; we are configured to Jesus Christ the High Priest and share in his prophetic, kingly, and priestly mission; original sin is remitted. 

Baptism Preparation for Parents of Children ages up to 1st Grade

Our parish has a  process designed to help parents understand the sacrament of Baptism and to support them in their role of helping their child to fully live the gifts received in baptism.

Both parents and godparents attend a Baptism Class. Baptism Classes are held at St. Ferdinand on scheduled weekends throughout the year. Parents can schedule a time to participate in one of our classes in the Parish office during normal business hours. Since the Sacrament of Baptism is a welcoming and initial initiation into the Mystical Body of Christ which is a community of God's love, we do not perform private Baptisms.

Baptism Preparation for Children Grades 1 to 12

The Religious Education program coordinates the "Older Student Sacrament Program" each year for these children. For more information on the specific additional requirements of this program please contact our Religious Education Director.

Baptism Preparation for Adults

The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) ministry prepares adults to receive their initiation sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist. Check out our "Becoming Catholic" page, and for more information about the RCIA process do not hesitate to contact our RCIA Coordinator.