The sacrament of baptism ushers us into the divine life, cleanses us from sin, and initiates us as members of the Christian community. It is the foundation for the sacramental life.

At baptism, the presider prays over the water:

Father, look now with love upon your Church, and unseal for her the fountain of baptism. By the power of the Holy Spirit give to this water the grace of your Son, so that in the sacrament of baptism all those whom you have created in your likeness may be cleansed from sin and rise to a new birth of innocence by water and the Holy Spirit. (Christian Initiation of Adults, #222A)

Freed from Sin

Baptism frees us from the bondage of original and actual sin. Water is poured in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Today, the sacrament of baptism is often performed on infants, shortly after birth. Adult baptisms take place at the Easter Vigil through the restored Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults. Adults or children who have been baptized in a valid Christian church are not baptized again in the Catholic church. As we say in the Nicene Creed, “I confess one Baptism for the forgiveness of sins…”

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).

Baptismal Symbols

• 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 are 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.

While in ordinary circumstances, sacraments in the Catholic Church are administered validly by a member of the ordained clergy, in an emergency situation, the sacrament of baptism can be administered by anyone.

In case of necessity, any person can baptize provided that he have the intention of doing that which the Church does and provided that he pour water on the candidates head while saying: “I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit" (CCC 1284).

Amen, amen, I say to you, no one can enter the kingdom of God without being born of water and Spirit. (John 3:5)

Registered families of St. John the Baptist or Our Lady of the Assumption who wish to have a baby baptized must attend a pre-baptismal class.

Baptism preparation should begin at least 3 months prior to the desired Baptism date.

Baptism preparation begins with personal contact with the Baptism Coordinator at the parish. Registration forms will be filled out during the 1st contact.

The Baptism Coordinator will schedule a home visit with a priest or deacon after registration. Upon completing the home visit, parents and godparents are required to attend the Baptism Preparation Classes. (One prior to the Baptism and one following the Baptism.) Nursery service is available for toddlers during preparation classes; however you must reserve a space one week prior to the class. Infants may stay with the parents during the class. Dates of classes and Baptisms will be given during the home visit.

Parents and Godparents who have attended a class within the past three years are exempt from the classes.

Please contact our Baptism Coordinator at the parish office at 225-654-5778 for more information.

Parents who desire to have their children baptized need to be aware of the following requirements:

• The parents must be registered members of St. John the Baptist or Our Lady of the Assumption.
• Baptism is a community celebration in our parish. Baptisms are celebrated once a month alternating each month to be held either during a para-liturgical celebration Mass or after Mass.
• Private Baptisms are allowed only under extreme circumstances and are celebrated only by Deacons.
• No Baptisms are performed during Lent.
• Parents may schedule Baptisms after the home visit.
• Godparent's Information:
• At least one Godparent is required for each child; however, two is traditional.
• Only two Godparents can be written into the official register. (Must be one male and one female.)
• At least one Godparent must be a Roman Catholic in good standing who is over 16 years of age and has received the sacrament of Confirmation.
• Catholic Godparents must send a letter from their parish confirming their status as parishioners in good standing and their ability to serve in this role.
• If the second Godparent is not a Catholic, they are called a Christian Witness. These individuals must be baptized in their own faith and practicing their religion.
• If a Godparent is Catholic but not confirmed, they will be called a Christian Witness.
• Godparents cannot be the mother or father of the baby.
• If a Godparent cannot attend a baptism celebration, a proxy can stand for them, but the baptismal register will list the actual Godparent that has been selected.