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Baptism

- Baptism/Bautismo
  
  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. (CCC 1213)
  
  Baptizing Your Child at St. Francis Parish
  Beginning July 1st, the baptism schedule will be:
  1st Saturday: St Mary Church, 10am (Spanish)
  2nd Saturday: St Henry Church, 11:30am (English)
  3rd Saturday: St Mary Church, 10am (Spanish)
  4th Saturday: St Henry Church, 11:30am (Spanish)
  4th Weekend: Baptisms during any Mass at either church
  
  Los Bautizos en nuestra parroquia St. Francisco
  1er sábado: Sta. María, 10 am (español)
  2do sábado: St. Henry 11:30 am (inglés)
  3er sábado: Sta. María 10 am (español)
  4to sábado: St. Henry 11:30 am (español)
  4to fin de semana: Bautismos durante cualquier misa en Sta. Maria o St. Henry
- Infants
  Today, the Sacrament of Baptism is usually performed on infants. Parents who wish to have their child baptized need to attend a one-evening class at St. Henry or St. Mary (Spanish). Please contact the parish office at (641) 752-6278 to learn about the next offered class.
  
  Children (age 8) through Adults
  The baptism of older children, teens, and adults is different, because they are able to understand their own baptism. For youth ages 8 and older, preparation for baptism begins in the fall of each school year. Contact Alissa Herrick for more information. Adults (baptized or unbaptized) who would like to join the Catholic Church follow the process through Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults.
- The Catechism Teaches:
  
  "The fruit of Baptism, or baptismal grace, is a rich reality that includes forgiveness of original sin and all personal sins, birth into the new life by which man becomes an adoptive son of the Father, a member of Christ and a temple of the Holy Spirit. By this very fact the person baptized is incorporated into the Church, the Body of Christ, and made a sharer in the priesthood of Christ" (CCC 1279).
- Symbols of Baptism
  
  Water – The waters of baptism recall Jesus’ own baptism by John the Baptist in the river Jordan. Water is a symbol of cleansing and renewal as we begin a new life in Christ. We are washed clean of sin.
  
  Oil – At baptism we are anointed into the life of Christ as “priest, prophet and king.” A cross is traced on the candidate’s forehead as a reminder that we are inheritors of the Kingdom of God.
  
  Light – The baptismal candle is lit from the Paschal or Easter candle that stands in the church as a sign of Christ’s light in the world. At baptism, we receive the light of Christ and are called forth to share this light with the world.
  
  White garment – The white garment that is placed upon us at baptism is a symbol of Christ’s victory over death and his glorious resurrection. Likewise, the white garment or pall that is placed over the coffin at the time of death recalls our baptismal promises and reminds us that we are destined for eternal life.