The Sacrament of Baptism incorporates a person into the Church and constitutes them a member of the Christian faithful. (CIC, 96 and 204) It is, then, “the gateway to the sacraments and necessary for salvation” (CIC, 849) as it makes us the adopted children of God the Father, it configures us to Jesus that we might share in his common priesthood through prayers and good works, it bestows the gift of the Holy Spirit upon us and it deputes us to right worship. Baptism washes us from original sin and actual sin, if we are past the age of reason (7 yrs. old), and, even though concupiscence remains, strengthens us with sacramental grace to live a life of holiness. Through Baptism the Holy Spirit leaves an indelible mark, sacramental character, on our soul. Thus, this sacrament cannot be repeated because the sacramental character made by God on our soul can never be erased. We are forever the children of God and have the dignity of Christ’s victory over sin, death and the devil, that we need not fear such, permanently placed upon us like a “buckler and shield”. (See Psalm 91)
 
 As a Catholic parish community, we welcome all those who have not yet been Baptized to enter into the Catholic Church, become a part of our parish community and share in the beauty and joy of a life lived in Christ. Whether you are an unbaptized adult or parents of a child needing to be baptized, it all begins with a simple phone call to our parish office: 973-948-3185. We also invite expecting parents to receive a special blessing before the birth of their child.
 
For unbaptized adults (over 14 years of age), you will need to participate in our parish Order of Christian Initiation for Adults (O.C.I.A.) program in accord with canons 851, 1º and 865 §1. It begins with a period of pre-catechumenate as a period of developing the proper intention and disposition to embrace discipleship of Christ, the purgative way. After the Rite of Election with the Bishop, you will begin the catechumenate, which is a period of more intense instruction in the faith, the liturgy, and works of charity and the apostolate, the illuminative way. (See CIC, c. 788 §2) This program will begin in the Fall and proceed to the reception of all the Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Confirmation and First Eucharist at the Easter Vigil. During the Easter Season, from Easter Sunday to Pentecost, those newly baptized are invited to continue their formation in a period of mystagogical catechesis, the unitive way.
 
For unbaptized children who have reached the age of reason (7 - 13 years of age): For children who have reached the age of reason: seven (7) years of age (CIC, c. 97 §2) but have not yet reached the age of majority: eighteen (18) years of age (CIC, c. 97 §2) they are usually to follow the program of the OCIC. However, since a child after having completed the age of 14 is both outside of the age of our regular Confirmation program and is capable of switching their Church of ascription (CIC, c. 112 §1, 3º), those 15 to 18 will normally be expected to participate in OCIC. The program follows the same steps of pre-catechumenate, catechumenate, reception of all the Sacraments of Initiation at the Easter Vigil (R.C.I.A., 215 and 256), and mystagogy, yet in an age appropriate fashion in accord with canon 779. However, in consultation with the pastor, children 7 to 14 years of age, on a case by case basis, may have determined by the pastor and the child's parents that the child should be baptized without haste and then integrated into our Religious Education program. (See: Religious Education Program Policies, I.2-2a)
 
For unbaptized infants (0-6 years of age), our parish has a special program for parents and sponsors (godfather, godmother) to meet with a minister who will prepare them for their child’s baptism in accord with canon 851, 2º. We take this moment to remind parents that the Church exhorts parents to have their children baptized without haste. “Parents are obliged to take care that infants are baptized in the first few weeks; as soon as possible after the birth or even before the child is born, they are to go the pastor to request the sacrament for their child and to be prepared properly for the baptism of their child. (CIC,c.867 §1)”
 
Each baptized person is to have at least one Sponsor(s), also known as godparent(s), and they must be a catholic, have received the Sacrament of Confirmation, and be in full communion with the Catholic Church. (See cc. 205, 872-874 §1, 1º-5º) Godparents are also required to have a written letter from their parish stating that they are "canonically free to carry out this office" and "are living a life consistent with faith and the responsibility of a godparent". Eastern non-Catholic Christians can serve as a sponsor, but always with a Catholic sponsor. (See CCEO, c. 685 §3) Other non-Catholic Christians can be a Christian witness in accord with canon 874 §2, yet there must be at least one Catholic, in good standing, appointed as a sponsor. Only those who have been validly baptized can be a Sponsor or Christian witness.