Sacrament of Baptism
The first step in a lifelong journey of commitment and discipleship: whether as infants, adolescents, or adults, we become a member of Christ’s Body.
Baptisms are celebrated at most weekend Masses. During Lent, Baptisms are celebrated after Mass.
Godparents: One godparent is necessary, most choose two. Godparent(s) will need a letter of Recommendation from their Pastor. Those registered at Saint Benedict, please contact the Rectory at 834-1041 or rectory@saintbenedicts.com to request a Letter of Recommendation. We gladly issue letters of recommendation for registered parishioners who have been asked to be sponsors at Baptism or Confirmation, provided they meet the following criteria:
– Attend Mass regularly/
– Have been confirmed
– If married, have done so in conformity with the laws of the Church
– Are sending their children to Catholic school or religious instruction
Parent(s)/ legal guardians: Please call the Faith Formation Office to:
– Schedule an appointment
– Share and discuss Baptism
– Answer all your questions
– Pre-baptismal preparation class (For Parents)
Faith Formation Office
(716) 836-6444
Youth Minister, Andrew Pitisi
apitisi@saintbenedicts.com
United States Catholic Council of Bishops Brief on Baptism
Incorporated into Christ’s Body, Sent on Christ’s Mission
“The sacraments celebrated by the Church are signs of grace that make a deeper reality present to us. One reality we encounter through the sacraments is Christ’s presence in the Church community, his Body. This recognition of Christ’s presence in the community should lead to a stronger awareness of being sent on mission to engage in love-inspired action in the world. As Pope Benedict XVI notes in Deus Caritas Est (God Is Love), the celebration of the sacraments and the ministry of love are “inseparable.” Love in action, he says, is “an indispensable expression” of the Church’s being (no. 25). This guide focuses on the Sacrament of Baptism, the rite of initiation into the Christian community.”