Baptism

"Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded of you" (Matthew 28:19-20).

The Significance of Baptism

Baptism incorporates us as members of the Body of Christ, grants us adoption as sons and daughters of the Father, and builds us up as temples of the Holy Spirit.  It opens us to the grace of Christ and initiates us into the life of the Church. 

"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" (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1279).  

Baptism for Infants

First, congratulations! We're excited to celebrate the birth of your little miracle by participating in another miracle: baptism!   All baptisms should be scheduled by emailing sacraments@bspwa.org or calling the parish office at (206) 547-3020 and completing this form: Baptism Intake Form.  

In preparing for your child's baptism, please consider the following: 

  • Parents must be active, registered parishioners of Blessed Sacrament or the Newman Center.  (Parents from other parishes must provide a letter from their pastor giving permission for the baptism to occur here.) 

  • Not registered? Register online here. 

  • Parents and godparents are required to attend baptism preparation classes. These classes are held at Blessed Sacrament every other month.   

  • If the godparents do not live locally, they may attend baptism preparation classes at their own parish.  A letter of good standing from their pastor is also required. 

  • The Catholic Church allows for two godparents (one male and one female), although only one is required. All godparents must be confirmed Catholics and active, registered parishioners of their parish. 

  •  Godparents assume responsibility for the spiritual nurturing of the child throughout his/her life.  They are to serve as models of Catholic living, committed to daily prayer, following the teachings of the Church, attending Mass regularly and supporting its ministry in the world.   

Baptism for Children (Ages 7 and older)

A child aged 7 and older is considered to be of “catechetical age” (i.e. the “age of reason”).  A child desiring baptism will receive formal instruction in the basics of the Catholic faith and the meaning of baptism.  Contact the Director of Religious Education, Pat Bucy, at pbucy@bspwa.org to learn more about the process.   

As with the baptism of infants, parents and godparents must take baptism preparation classes.  Godparents must provide a letter of good standing from their pastor.   

Baptism for Adults (Ages 18+)

Considering baptism as an adult? Wonderful! Those seeking baptism as an adult will participate in the RCIA program: the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults. This educational program prepares adults for entrance into the Catholic Church and other sacraments. Click here to learn more about RCIA.