Sacrament of Baptism

Baptisms are celebrated every Sunday at 1:00 with few exceptions.  Because we offer baptisms every Sunday we discourage baptisms on any other day or time unless there are serious reasons to be considered.   Parents are expected to attend a Baptismal preparation session. Classes are held on the second Thursday of each month at 7 pm in the Parish Office.  Please call the parish office at 708-422-0234 to register for the class and to schedule your child’s baptism.

Baptism signifies the baby’s entrance into the Church. We become members of Christ and the Church through the Sacrament of Baptism. The community of believers and the parents make a commitment to care for and teach this child as he or she is raised in the Catholic faith. Water is poured over a person’s head. The celebrant proclaims” “I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.”

The person being baptized is anointed with two oils; the oil of catechumens is put on the chest, and chrism is put on the top of the head. Oil is a symbol of strength and healing.

A candle is lit during the celebration. This shows that the person baptized is asked to keep the flame of faith alive in his or her heart.

Through Baptism a person receives forgiveness of original sin as well as personal sins. The newly baptized person receives sanctifying grace and is sealed with a permanent spiritual mark.