Baptism of Infants

The practice of baptizing infants has deep roots in the earliest traditions of the Church. Preparing for the baptism of infants provides a valuable teaching moment for both parents and the faith community. It encourages them to reflect on the significance of faith in their own lives. Baptismal preparation focuses on God’s love, the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, the gift of the Holy Spirit to the Church, and the cleansing of original and personal sin. It also emphasizes that all life is a gift from God, that we are created in the image and likeness of God, and that sharing life with God and one another is a profound blessing.

Parents who are registered in our parish, those with a genuine connection to our community, and individuals who can provide other valid reasons may inquire about baptism for their child.

If you are registered at another parish, kindly seek permission from your pastor to have your child baptized here. Even if you are not formally registered, you reside within a geographic jurisdiction known as a ‘parish.’ Therefore, please contact that parish and obtain the pastor’s approval to celebrate the baptism at St. Matthew’s Cathedral. If you have participated in a baptismal preparation program at your current church, ask your pastor to inform our rectory of this information.

As mentioned earlier, Church law requires that parents ensure their infants are baptized within the first weeks after birth. When determining the actual celebration date, consider the following pastoral considerations:

1. Preparation: Parents (and godparents) should complete their preparation well in advance of the baptism.
2. Mother’s Health: It’s important to consider the mother’s health to ensure her presence, if feasible, during the sacrament. Her faith, along with that of her husband and the wider Christian community, is being celebrated and shared with the child.
3. Sunday Celebrations: Any Sunday is an appropriate time for baptism, as it commemorates the Resurrection of the Lord. Baptisms can be celebrated during Mass, allowing community members to be present and emphasizing the relationship between Baptism and Eucharist.
4. Ecumenical Considerations: In some cases, ecumenical considerations or other reasons may lead to the celebration of baptism outside of Mass.

Contact our parish office as soon as possible. Early communication ensures parents can participate in the necessary sacramental preparation for their child’s baptism. Once the preparation is complete and permissions are received, a baptism date can be scheduled.

For more information or to register for baptism preparation, contact our parish office.

(202)488-1354 ext.2
[email protected]