Baptism is the first Sacrament of the Catholic Church.  Baptism frees us from sin, makes us members of Christ's Church and opens us to the other Sacraments.  The Catholic Church has two paths, or Rites, leading to the baptism.  Individuals follow one or the other based on their age.

Children under the age of 7 years (Rite of Baptism for Infants).   This is the more common Rite of Baptism.  Parents of children under the age of 7 years old present their child for Baptism.  Since the child is below the “age of reason”, the parents take full responsibility for fulfilling the baptismal promises and for the religious education of their child.

OLHOC usually offers Baptism once a month during the afternoon of the second Sunday of the month.  Baptisms are celebrated in the main church beginning at 12:45 PM immediately following the last Sunday Mass.

Parents must attend one of our preparation classes before scheduling their child for Baptism.  Classes are usually offered the fourth Tuesday of each month at 7 PM.

Please contact the parish office to sign up for a class or schedule your child for baptism.

Individuals over the age of 7 years (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults - RCIA).   This Rite is for older individuals who freely seek to enter the Catholic faith.  Following a period of preparation, the individual receives Baptism, Confirmation and First Eucharist at one celebration, usually at the Easter Vigil.

Children between the ages of 7 and 14 are in an intermediate position.  They are able to learn about the faith and freely choose to be baptized but need parental support and consent.  The child must know something of the Christian tradition and have some understanding of the commitment they are making.  To help them, OLHoC offers a program of RCIA adapted for children.  This journey of faith encompasses at least two years.  The children attend classes with their peers and participate in several rites.