The Sacrament of Baptism cleanses us from sin and initiates us as members of the Christian community. It is the foundation for the sacramental life.

Baptism is the first sacrament celebrated in the process of becoming a full member of the Church. It is the first of the three Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Eucharist, and Confirmation.

Baptism is, like all the sacraments, a gift from God. Water is the universal symbol. Water is absolutely essential for all life. Water cleanses and restores. It is the waters of Baptism that give us new life. Through Baptism we die to ourselves in order to be restored and resurrected in the new life of Christ.

"The fruit of Baptism...is a rich reality that includes forgiveness of original sin and all personal sins, birth into the new life by which man becomes an adoptive son of the Father, a member of Christ, and a temple of the Holy Spirit. By this very fact the person baptized is incorporated into the Church, the Body of Christ, and made a sharer in the priesthood of Christ" (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1279).

Baptismal Symbols

• Water – The waters of Baptism recall Jesus’ own baptism by John the Baptist in the river Jordan. Water is a symbol of cleansing and renewal as we begin a new life in Christ. We are washed clean of sin.
• Oil – At Baptism, we are anointed into the life of Christ as "priest, prophet and king." A cross is traced on the candidate’s forehead as are reminder that we are heirs of the Kingdom of God.
• Light – The baptismal candle is lit from the Paschal or Easter candle that stands in the church as a sign of Christ’s light in the world. At Baptism, we receive the light of Christ and are called forth to share this light with the world.
• White garment – The white garment that is placed upon us at Baptism is a symbol of Christ’s victory over death and his glorious resurrection.

Please print out and return the Baptism Information Form to the St. Pius Parish Center or email, elvira@pius.org.

FOR INFANTS AND YOUNG CHILDREN
 

The Rite of Baptism for Children strongly recommends that baptisms take place on Sunday, the day of the resurrection, at a communal celebration for several children. It promotes the value of welcoming new members into the Church in a liturgy which includes the active participation of the assembly as well as music, processions, symbols and all the elements of a genuine celebration.

The obvious way to meet these recommendations is to incorporate the sacrament of baptism into the parish Sunday Mass. According to the Rite, this practice is to be encouraged because it enables the entire community to be present and brings out clearly the relationship between baptism and the eucharist.

Baptisms for infants and young children are held during the 9:30 am and 11:30 am Spanish Sunday Masses.
To schedule a baptism, your family must be registered in the parish for at least 6 months and attend Mass regularly.

To prepare for the Sacrament of Baptism, parents and godparents are required to attend a baptismal preparation class, offered through St. Pius virtually. 
The parents of the child should choose no more than two godparents (one male, one female) based on their ability to help you raise your child in the belief and teachings of the Catholic Church. Both godparents must be over sixteen years old and fully initiated - Baptized, received Holy Communion and Confirmation, and active, registered parishioners of a parish.

Please contact the office at (650) 361-1411 least one month in advance.

FOR OLDER CHILDREN, YOUNG ADULTS, AND ADULTS

Children age 7 and older will need to go through the Order of Christian Initiation for Children (OCIC).

Adults will need to participate in the Order of Christian Initiation for Adults (OCIA) program. Group baptisms and full initiation are held at the Easter Vigil each year.

For more information, please contact the Parish Center at (650) 361-1411.