Infant Baptism
Holy Baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life, the gateway to life in the Spirit, and the door which gives access to the other sacraments. Through Baptism we are freed from sin and reborn as sons and daughters of God; we become members of Christ, are incorporated into the Church and made sharers in her mission: “Baptism is the sacrament of regeneration through water in the word.” The sacrament is called Baptism, after the central rite by which it is carried out: to baptize means to “plunge” or “immerse;” the “plunge” into the water symbolizes the catechumen’s burial into Christ’s death, from which we rise with Him as “a new creature.” This sacrament is also called, “the washing of regeneration and renewal by the Holy Spirit,” for it signifies and actually brings about the birth of water and the Spirit without which no one “can enter the kingdom of God.”
The following are guidelines for parents who are asking for Baptism for their child:
- They must be registered members of St. Philip Neri’s parish
- They must be attending Mass and participating in the sacramental life of the church
- They need to attend a Baptismal class (contact the parish office)
The following are guidelines for those requesting to be Baptismal sponsors.
- They must be at least 16 years of age.
- Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist in the Catholic Church.
- They must attend Mass regularly and receive the Sacraments of the Church regularly.
- If married, they must be married according to the laws of the Catholic Church.
- If a St. Philip Neri’s parishioner, Fr. Oliver must approve; if they are from out of town, a letter is needed from their pastor stating that they are a parishioner in good standing.
Sponsors for Baptism should be persons who will support you in raising your child in the Catholic faith. Their lives should be an example of faith and service. They are encouraged and welcomed to attend a Baptismal class. Ordinarily, there are two godparents for a child; however only one is necessary. If you only have one godparent, a second baptized believing Christian person who has never belonged to the Catholic Church but who is a good disciple of Christ may serve as a Christian witness along with the Catholic godparent.
Contact the parish office to pre-register for a class and to schedule a Baptism date (215-468-1922).
Adult Baptism (RCIA)
RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) is the Catholic Church’s rich tradition of preparation for adults to enter into full communion with the Church. Beginning each Fall, those interested in becoming Catholic meet regularly to discuss topics of all areas of life and the faith.
RCIA is for anyone (over age 14) interested in discerning God’s call to become Catholic, regardless of whether they are unbaptized Christians, baptized non-Catholics, or uncatechized Catholics who need to complete the sacraments of initiation. Under normal circumstances, those preparing for initiation are brought into the Church at the Easter Vigil Mass. Exceptional circumstances which might delay initiation might include difficulty in providing necessary documentation (baptismal or marital information, for example), lack of preparation, attendance, or participation in classes, or joining the program late. It may be necessary to address marital irregularities (annulment or sacramental convalidation of civil marriage) as a prerequisite for sacramental initiation. This should be discussed in the initial interview with the pastor or RCIA coordinator upon entering the RCIA program.
For more information about the different steps involved in the RCIA program, click here.
To learn more about the importance of RCIA in preparing for Baptism, Confirmation, and first Holy Communion, click here.
Please call the parish office if you’d like to get started (215-468-1922).