The Sacrament of Baptism is the first of the seven sacraments. Most Catholics are baptized as infants and thus this Sacrament is “first”. If not an infant and the Sacrament is received later in life, it is the”first” in priority as well, since the reception of the other sacraments depends on it. Baptism is the first of the three Sacraments of Initiation. The other two Sacraments of Initiation are the Sacrament of Confirmation and the Sacrament of First Holy Communion. Once baptized, one becomes a member of the Church.
To inquire about the Sacrament of Baptism at St. Agnes Church, please contact:
Parish Office: 519.885.4480
A few more words on the Sacrament of Baptism from the Vatican website:
Holy Baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life, the gateway to life in the Spirit (vitae spiritualis ianua),4 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 in the word.”5
This sacrament is called Baptism, after the central rite by which it is carried out: to baptize (Greek baptizein) means to “plunge” or “immerse”; the “plunge” into the water symbolizes the catechumen’s burial into Christ’s death, from which he rises up by resurrection with him, as “a new creature.”
Baptism is God’s most beautiful and magnificent gift. . . .We call it gift, grace, anointing, enlightenment, garment of immortality, bath of rebirth, seal, and most precious gift. It is called gift because it is conferred on those who bring nothing of their own; grace since it is given even to the guilty; Baptism because sin is buried in the water; anointing for it is priestly and royal as are those who are anointed; enlightenment because it radiates light; clothing since it veils our shame; bath because it washes; and seal as it is our guard and the sign of God’s Lordship.10
Saint Agnes Catholic Church - Waterloo Ontario 