"The origin and foundation of Christian Baptism is Jesus.  Before starting his public ministry, Jesus submitted himself to the baptism given by John the Baptist.  The waters did not purify him; he cleansed the waters.  . . .  Jesus did not need to be baptized because he was totally faithful to the will of his Father and free from sin.  However, he wanted to show his solidarity with human beings in order to reconcile them to the Father. By commanding his disciples to baptize all nations, he established the means by which people would die to sin – Original and actual – and begin to live a new life with God. 

In Baptism, the Holy Spirit moves us to answer Christ's call to holiness. In Baptism, we are asked to walk by the light of Christ and to trust in his wisdom. We are invited to submit our hearts to Christ with ever deeper love."

The Sacrament of Baptism is celebrated on Sundays immediately following the 12:00 Noon Mass. Prior arrangements must be made at the Parish Office. Pre-instruction for both parents is required.

      Sponsor Certificates for Baptism: Church law requires that a sponsor (godparent) must be a practicing Catholic, at least 16 years of age, fully initiated (received all his/her sacraments) and is registered and practicing their faith in their local parish. Anyone wishing a sponsor certificate from St. Francis Parish must also meet these requirements.

"For adults today, the Church, after the Second Vatican Council, has restored the order of the Catechumenate in the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA).  It outlines the steps for the formation of catechumens, bringing their conversion to the faith to a greater maturity. It helps them respond more deeply to God's gracious initiative in their lives and prepares them for union with the Church community.  This process is meant to form them into the fullness of the Christian life and to become disciples of Jesus, their teacher."

~from the United States Catholic Catechism for Adults