Baptism

Baptism is the first of three initiation sacraments of the Catholic Church, the others being Eucharist and Confirmation. Baptism purifies one from the original sin, welcomes the newcomer into the family of God, the Church, and offers new and eternal life with God. 

The Catholic Church addresses baptism of infants and baptism of adults differently.  Each parish community has their particularly practices and policies.  If you have questions, contact your local parish or the parish you’re considering joining.

Baptism of Children
Ancient testimony regarding infant baptism dates back to the second century and actual practice may date back to apostolic times. It is a sacrament celebrated with the faithful of the Church. Our current doctrinal book, The Catechism of the Catholic Church, states in #1250, “The sheer gratuitousness of the grace of salvation is particularly manifest in infant Baptism.”

The role of the parents is to help form their child in the faith, and the role of sponsors or godparents to assist in the child’s journey of faith.

A baptism can be performed by a bishop, priest or deacon. In cases of emergency or necessity, anyone can baptize.

For more information or to arrange for a baptism of an infant or child, contact your local pastor.

Baptism of Adults
Baptism of adults recognizes a divinely-inspired conversion of heart. It welcomes a person into the Christian community.

Adult baptism goes back to the very beginning of Christian tradition, for it was John the Baptist who baptized Jesus in the Jordan River.

The Second Vatican Council restored the ancient Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, or RCIA. This is a process of learning and prayer that can ultimately lead to one’s baptism.

For more information on baptism for adults, or the RCIA process, contact your local pastor or visit the Diocese of Des Moines’ RCIA page.