Baptism

THE SACRAMENTS: BAPTISM

(Excerpt from Pope John Paul II, Visit to England and Wales, October, 1982)

In Baptism we are drawn into the community of faith. We become part of the pilgrim People of God, which, in all times and in all places, goes forward in hope towards the fulfillment of the "promise." It is our task to take our place responsibly and lovingly beside those who, from the beginning, "remained faithful to the teaching of the apostles, to the brotherhood, to the breaking of bread and to the prayers" (Acts 2,42).

Baptism creates a sacramental bond of unity linking all who have been reborn by means of it. But Baptism, of itself is only a beginning, a point of departure, for it is wholly directed towards the fullness of life in Christ (cf. Unitatis Redintegratio, n. 22). Baptism is the foundation of the unity that all Christians have in Christ: a unity we must seek to perfect. When we set out clearly the privilege and the duty of the Christian, we feel ashamed that we have not been capable of maintaining the full unity of faith and charity that Christ willed for his Church.

We the baptized have work to do together as brothers and sisters in Christ. The world is in need of Jesus Christ and his Gospel—the Good News that God loves us, that God the Son was born, was crucified and died to save us, that he rose again and that we rose with him, and that in Baptism he has sealed us with the spirit for the first time, gathered us into a community of love and of witness to his truth.

To schedule a Baptism at St. Mark

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

The Baptismal Preparation Program for Parents is designed to help parents understand the Rite of Baptism and their responsibility in the development of the faith life of their child. This one-session program is conducted with parents in collaboration with the Parish Pastoral Staff.

Contact Chris Risch to inquiry about Baptism at St. Mark, 317-787-8246 Ext. 107

Please download following Baptism Registration Forms:
St. Mark Baptism Registration Form