The Sacrament of Baptism

Baptism is the first Sacrament of Initiation by which we are freed from all sin and are endowed with the gift of divine life, are made members of the Church, and are called to holiness and mission. Baptism is birth into the new life in Christ. In accordance with the Lord’s will, it is necessary for salvation, as is the Church, herself, which we enter by 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 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 and in the word.” (Catechism of the Catholic Church).

"Parents are obliged to take care that infants are baptized in the first few weeks; as soon as possible after the birth or even before it, they are to go to the pastor to request the sacrament for their child and to be prepared properly for it. An infant in danger of death is to be baptized without delay."
- From the Code of Canon Law (Canon 867)

Learn more about Baptism and the Sacraments at CatholicsComeHome.org

Baptisms for infants are usually held after the 11:00am Sunday Mass at Our Lady of the Rosary Church.  Please contact the office at 504-488-2659 or office@olr-nola.org for more information.

Parents and godparents of children to be baptized are required to participate in Baptismal preparation sessions.  This can be done even before the birth of the child.

Please review the Baptism policies for the Archdiocese of New Orleans and Our Lady of the Rosary Parish.

Most Catholics were born and baptized as infants into the Catholic Christian community.  They grew up in Catholic families and came to share in the full sacramental life of the Church through the sacraments of Eucharist and Confirmation.  
The Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA) is for:

• Any adult not yet baptized who wishes to become a Catholic.  

• Any adult baptized in another Christian church who wishes to become Catholic.  

• Any baptized Catholic who, after a time of inactivity in the Church, wishes to rededicate him or herself as a Catholic.  

• Any adult baptized Catholic, who has not yet celebrated the Sacraments of Eucharist and/or Confirmation and wishes to do so.

For more information on RCIA, click here. 
Please contact Fr. Jonathan or the parish office if you are interested in becoming Catholic.