“Go and make disciples of every nation, baptizing in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.” - Matthew 28: 19-20

(St. Gregory of Nazianzus, 320-389 AD) 

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 and in the word.” [Catechism of the Catholic Church 1213]

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The Sacrament of Baptism is usually celebrated on Saturday afternoon at 1:00 pm and Sunday afternoon at 1:30 pm in our parish church. Parents are required to attend a Baptism Preparation Evening. Classes are scheduled the second Tuesday of every month at 6:00 pm (and take place at Sts. John & Paul Rectory Meeting room – 280 Weaver Street). To schedule a baptism call the rectory at 914-834-1220.

How to choose Godparents:

The following statement is read during the rite of Baptism:

“Dear parents and godparents: You have come here to present this child for baptism. by water and the Holy Spirit he/she is to receive the gift of new life from God, who is love. On your part, you must make it your constant care to bring him/her up in the practice of the faith. see that the divine life which God gives him/her is kept safe from the poison of sin, to grow always stronger in his/her heart.”

As you prepare to celebrate this beautiful sacrament with your child, prayerfully consider who you could call on for help in teaching your child the practice of the faith, detachment from sin, and virtuous living. Some qualities of a good Godparent include: He/she believes in Jesus Christ and the teachings of the Catholic Church; he/she receives the sacraments on a regular basis, especially Confession and Holy Communion; he/she prays often and lives a virtuous life; he/she is a loving and caring person; he/she will be a spiritual partner with the parents of the child. Because of the great responsibilities of a godparent, the Catholic Church has some minimum requirements it asks of all godprents set forth by the Code of Canon Law:

• Be only one male sponsor or one female sponsor or one of each.
• Be at least 16 years of age.
• Have received the Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Confirmation, Holy Communion.
• If married, be married according to the laws of the Church.
• Be active in the practice of the faith and receiving the sacraments regularly. (They must also appear on the official register of their parish church.)
• Not be the father or mother of the one being baptized.

To learn more about the Sacrament of Baptism, read the Baptism section of the Catechism of the Catholic Church:

Click here for more information about baptisms.