Baptism

The Sacrament of 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 of God; we become members of Christ, and we are incorporated into the Church and made sharers in her mission.

Baptism _~ Infants  (Children under 7 years of age)

Baptisms for infants are celebrated on the First, Second and Third Sunday of each month, following the 10:30am Mass (11:30am) and are limited in size to four baptisms per Sunday.

We require that the parents be registered at St. Mary at least 90 days prior to the baptism. For information on how to register visit JOIN ST. MARY.

Parents must attend a Baptism Class. The classes are held the 1^st Thursday of each month at 7:00pm in the Activity Center.  Please call the parish office to register 540-373-6491.

Bautismo _~ en Español (para niños menores de siete años)

St. Mary celebra Bautismos en Español, el cuarto Domingo del mes despues de la Misa de las 2:00pm (en Español).

Requerimos que los padres se inscriban en la parroquia por lo menos 90 dias antes del Bautismo.  Para informaćion de como inscribirse, visite JOIN ST. MARY.

St. Mary requiere que los padres y padrinos atiendan una clase especial de Bautismo. La clase se ofrece el primer sabado del mes a las 2:30 p.m. en la biblioteca del Centro de Actividad.  Si tienen alguna pregunta,por favor,llamen a la oficina de la parroquia al 540-373-6491..

Baptism _~ Children Age 8-16

Children and youth ages 8-16 who wish to be baptized attend the RCIC Program (Rite of Christian Initiation for Children).  This is a two year program offered by the Religious Education Program of the parish. Preparation for the sacraments of initiation (in this case, children receive all three sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist) begins with classes in the fall and are completed with the reception of sacraments at the Easter Vigil Mass.

To register for this program or for more information, please call the Religious Education Office at 540-373-6491..

Children who are already validly baptized who wish to be received into the Church may join the regular cycle of religious education to receive First Holy Communion or, if they are older than other students studying for sacraments, they may be enrolled in a special sacraments class offered by the Religious Education Program.  By receiving Communion their profession of Faith in the Church is validly received.

If students who seek reception into the Church through the sacraments are uncatechized, it is recommended that they be enrolled in the RCIC program to provide a broader base for their knowledge of the faith.

Baptism _~ Adults

Adults interested in learning more about the Catholic faith and moving toward Baptism or Reception into the Catholic Church (already validly baptized) are welcome to join our RCIA Program (The Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults). This series of meetings/classes begin in September and meet weekly Monday’s 7:30-9:15pm.  Some special trips and liturgical participation included throughout the year.

The program culminates with the reception of the Sacraments of Initiation at the Easter Vigil Mass: Baptism (if necessary), Confirmation and Eucharist.

For information about the Program, please contact the parish office 540-373-6491.