Baptism Sacraments are very specific events in the life of the church.

God touches us and transforms us into living Christs through these sacraments. In Baptism, water, is the way to this transformation. This sacrament is an actual event that uses water, not only as a symbol, but also as a simple reminder of Gods love. This blessed water actually brings God and his love to us. We are set free from the slavery of sin and dressed with Christ himself. Baptism is a call to commitment. In baptism we invite Christ into our being and therefore we become a temple of Christ. We all remember when Jesus said Destroy this Temple and I will rebuild it in three days. He was speaking of the temple of his body. This is what happens to us in Baptism, we receive the Holy Spirit and we become a temple of Christ. Because this commitment cant be made by your child, you the parents and God parents are making the commitment for them (him/her). You are the first teachers of your children and in Baptism you are choosing to constantly bring them to the light of Christ in the midst of this dark world. This commitment doesnt end here today. Your child needs to be nurtured and fed, not only by the love and food that you provide for them, but also by the love of Christ through the sacraments of the church. Pray with your children and teach them about God and his church. Praying at home is very important. Children need to see their parents praying, alone, together and as a family. Remember, the greatest prayer that we can share is the prayer of the Mass. Jesus offers us baptism as the way to enter into full communion with God. Through baptism we say no to the darkness of the world and together we declare that we no longer want to be children of that darkness but children of the light, Gods children. This is what baptism enables us to do. When you bring your children here for baptism you show your desire to have your children grow up and live as children of God and as brothers and sisters of Jesus. Through birth your child was given to you, through baptism you are giving your child to God. You acknowledge that your parenthood has now become a participation in the parenthood of God who is Father of us all. It is your vocation to welcome these little ones as children of God and to foster in them a true love for him and for his church. Today as parents, and God Parents, this is what you are promising to do. By praying together and bringing your children to Mass, you will also help prepare them for the next sacraments. Today we the community take great pride in sharing this commitment with you. The church is not just a building, through baptism each and every one of us becomes part of the church, and it is up to all of us to help you raise your children in the faith and to continually build up the body of Christ. When Jesus appeared to the disciples for the last time he sent them out into the world saying: Go, .... make disciples of all nations; baptize them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. That is what we are called to do and that is what we are doing today.