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The Catechism of the Catholic Church reminds us that “Holy 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 of God; we become members of Christ, are incorporated into the Church and made sharers in her mission.” In baptism we are indeed sharers of this mission—a mission that continues in the Eucharist, of course, but one that also transcends it, for Eucharist is impossible without baptism.
The paschal mystery we encounter in every celebration of the Eucharist finds its source in baptism. In his Letter to the Romans, Paul reminds us, “Do you not know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? Therefore we were buried with him by baptism into death, so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, so we also might walk in newness of life” (Romans 6:3–4). In baptism, we share in the death and resurrection of Jesus. We recall this reality when we pray the mystery of faith at Mass. Baptism is the entry point of our participation in the paschal mystery.
In baptism, God claims us for Godself. The wonderful example of Jesus’ baptism by John reminds us of this when we hear God say, “You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.” (Luke 3:22). God says the same to each of us: You are my beloved. With you I am well pleased. These words are not some feel-good niceties but sincere incorporation into God’s community. In Life of the Beloved: Spiritual Living in a Secular World (Crossroad), spiritual master Henri Nouwen writes, “When we claim and constantly reclaim the truth of being the chosen ones, we soon discover within ourselves a deep desire to reveal to others their own chosenness. Instead of making us feel that we are better, more precious or valuable than others, our awareness of being chosen opens our eyes to the chosenness of others. That is the great joy of being chosen: the discovery that others are chosen as well.”
At St. Anthony’s, baptisms are celebrated the second Sunday of each month at the 12:30pm mass except during Lent. Baptism is a straightforward process without many hoops to hop through. All we ask is that you attend our Sunday mass in the time leading up to the designated Sunday for your child’s baptism. Baptisms are scheduled at least three months in advance and only one family is scheduled at a time. After finalizing a date, families will meet with the priest to discuss the sacrament, and walk through important details (candle, baptismal garment, godparents, etc.) to better prepare for this important and joyful celebration.
P.O. Box 315
Centreville, VA 20122
