Baptism
Steps to a Baptism at St. Anne:
BAPTISMS ARE HELD Monthly on the First Saturday of the month at 10:00 a.m. (scroll down to see scheduled dates)
- Fill out and return the Baptism packet with an updated census form at least three months before desired Baptism date. If neither parent is a registered parishioner at St. Anne, then you must also obtain a letter from your current pastor giving permission for the child to be baptized at St. Anne. Baptism Packet.pdf Parish Census Form
- Parents and Godparents must attend a 45 minute Baptism preparation class, normally held on the third Sunday every other month beginning in January, at 9:30 a.m. in the Parish Hall followed by 11:00 a.m. Mass attendance. Registration for Baptism preparation class is required and will be scheduled after Baptism packet is verified. Parents or Godparents do not have to take the class if they have attended a Baptism preparation class here within the last two years.
- Only one Godparent is required (but two are permitted).
- REQUIREMENTS FOR GODPARENTS FOR YOUR CHILD as stated in Canon 874
- Must be at least 16 years of age. Must be a baptized Catholic who has completed the sacraments of Eucharist and Confirmation.
- May not be the parent of the child being baptized. If married, must be married in the Catholic Church, faithfully attending Mass every Sunday, and living the Faith.
- The two Godparents do not have to be married to one another.
- A baptized non-catholic may not be a Godparent but may serve as a "witness" along with a Catholic Godparent.
- Non-baptized persons may not serve as witnesses or Godparents.
Remember, Baptism is not a one-time event; you are committing your child to a way of life in the Catholic faith. That means you must be working to follow that faith as well.
Baptism Preparation Class Dates: All classes are held in the Parish Hall on Sundays at 9:30 AM (must be registered to attend).
01/11/2026 03/08/2026 05/03/2026 07/12/2026 09/13/2026 11/08/2026
Baptism Dates: All Baptisms are held on the First Saturday of the Month at 10:00 AM, unless otherwise noted (must have met all requirements).
05/02/2026 06/06/2026 07/04/2026 08/01/2026 09/05/2026 10/03/2026 11/07/2026 12/05/2026
Contact the Parish Office for additional information, 337-856-8212.
What names are given to the first sacrament of initiation?
This sacrament is primarily called Baptism because of the central rite with which it is celebrated. To baptize means to “immerse” in water. The one who is baptized is immersed into the death of Christ and rises with him as a “new creature” (2 Corinthians 5:17). This sacrament is also called the “bath of regeneration and renewal in the Holy Spirit” (Titus 3:5); and it is called “enlightenment” because the baptized becomes “a son of light” (Ephesians 5:8).
How is Baptism prefigured in the Old Covenant?
In the Old Covenant Baptism was pre-figured in various ways: water, seen as source of life and of death; in the Ark of Noah, which saved by means of water; in the passing through the Red Sea, which liberated Israel from Egyptian slavery; in the crossing of the Jordan River, that brought Israel into the promised land which is the image of eternal life.
Who brought to fulfillment those prefigurations?
All the Old Covenant prefigurations find their fulfillment in Jesus Christ. At the beginning of his public life Jesus had himself baptized by John the Baptist in the Jordan. On the cross, blood and water, signs of Baptism and the Eucharist, flowed from his pierced side. After his Resurrection he gave to his apostles this mission: “Go forth and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” (Matthew 28:19).
Starting when and to whom has the Church administered Baptism?
From the day of Pentecost, the Church has administered Baptism to anyone who believes in Jesus Christ.
In what does the essential rite of Baptism consist?
The essential rite of this sacrament consists in immersing the candidate in water or pouring water over his or her head while invoking the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.
Who can receive Baptism?
Every person not yet baptized is able to receive Baptism.
Why does the Church baptize infants?
The Church baptizes infants because they are born with original sin. They need to be freed from the power of the Evil One and brought into that realm of freedom which belongs to the children of God.
What is required of one who is to be baptized?
Everyone who is to be baptized is required to make a profession of faith. This is done personally in the case of an adult or by the parents and by the Church in the case of infants. Also the Godfather or the Godmother and the whole ecclesial community share the responsibility for Baptismal preparation (catechumenate) as well as for the development and safeguarding of the faith and grace given at Baptism.
Is Baptism necessary for salvation?
Baptism is necessary for salvation for all those to whom the Gospel has been proclaimed and who have had the possibility of asking for this sacrament.
Is it possible to be saved without Baptism?
Since Christ died for the salvation of all, those can be saved without Baptism who die for the faith (Baptism of blood). Catechumens and all those who, even without knowing Christ and the Church, still (under the impulse of grace) sincerely seek God and strive to do his will can also be saved without Baptism (Baptism of desire). The Church in her liturgy entrusts children who die without Baptism to the mercy of God.
What are the effects of Baptism?
Baptism takes away original sin, all personal sins and all punishment due to sin. It makes the baptized person a participant in the divine life of the Trinity through sanctifying grace, the grace of justification which incorporates one into Christ and into his Church. It gives one a share in the priesthood of Christ and provides the basis for communion with all Christians. It bestows the theological virtues and the gifts of the Holy Spirit. A baptized person belongs forever to Christ. He is marked with the indelible seal of Christ (character).
What is the meaning of the Christian name received at Baptism?
The name is important because God knows each of us by name, that is, in our uniqueness as persons. In Baptism a Christian receives his or her own name in the Church. It should preferably be the name of a saint who might offer the baptized a model of sanctity and an assurance of his or her intercession before God.
First Reconciliation
The rite of reconciliation, often called "confession" is the sacrament in which Christ forgives our sins and reconciles us to our fellow Christians. Its sign or ceremony is the sinner's showing his sorrow by acknowledging his sins and the priest's words of forgiveness and reconciliation in Christ's name. The Rite of Reconciliation can be celebrated any time, please call the church office for an appointment or refer to the weekly bulletin for a scheduled time.
First Eucharist
Christ's presence among us in the Eucharist (Holy Communion) has always been a key teaching of the Catholic faith. It has been the constant teaching of the Church from the beginning; the clear belief found in early Christian documents is overwhelming. Through bread and wine Christ becomes present in the Eucharistic celebration; somehow Christ himself is now truly present under this form of food as St. Paul says succinctly. (1 Corinthians 11, 27-30) Usually First Eucharist is celebrated in the Second grade.
Confirmation
Confirmation is the completion of baptism, the giving of the full power of a Christian. "Confirmation" means a strengthening -- this sacrament strengthens and increases what we receive at baptism, particularly the power of bearing witness to Christ. To emphasize this, the ceremony of confirmation includes a renewal of our baptismal promises. We now become full-fledged members of the Church, lay apostles in the fullest sense. The bishop normally confirms the young people in a special ceremony. Adults who are not confirmed can be confirmed when the Bishop comes or at the Easter Vigil. Please call the Church office if you need to be confirmed.
Marriage
Prospective bride or groom must be a registered member of St. Anne Parish. Arrangements must be made at least six months in advance.
Holy Orders
Men become priests today as always -- by the sacrament of holy orders -- the laying on of the bishop's hands and prayer. Through this sacrament Christ changes the man internally, giving him the powers of the priesthood. There are different orders or degrees in the priesthood: a deacon, a priest, and a bishop. Priests and bishops are not married, although there are some priests who are ministers from another faith tradition who join the Catholic Church and want to serve as a priest. If you have any questions or interested in the priesthood please call the Church Office.
Anointing of the Sick
In the sacrament of the anointing of the sick, Christ uses the anointing and prayers of the priest to give comfort and strength to the soul and to the body of one seriously ill. We meet Christ here to receive his healing comfort, strength, and pardon. Anyone who is seriously ill, mentally or physically, may take part in it -- or a condition which is so serious as to demand surgery with a general anesthetic or even one who is weak from old age. Don't be afraid to call for the Pastor to minister this sacrament at every serious change in your condition. In an emergency or serious illness if sick and confined to a home, entering a hospital or local nursing home, please notify the office.
