Preparing for the Sacraments

Baptism

Sacraments

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 children 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."

Planning a Baptism

The family should be registered in the parish and the child should be under the age of seven.
Make an appointment with one of the priests to discuss the Sacrament and schedule the Baptism. (Parish Office: 847-658-7625)
Attend one Baptismal Instructional Class, which is held at 7:30 PM the first Thursday of every month, in Bethany Lobby. No appointment is necessary.
Baptisms are celebrated in English on the 1st and 3rd weekend after the 4:30 PM Mass on Saturday; and after 9:00 AM Mass on Sunday.
Baptisms are celebrated in Polish on the 2nd and 4th weekend before Mass at 5:45 PM on Saturday; and before the Sunday Mass at 12:15 PM.

Baptizing an Older Child

The Catholic Church considers anyone over the age of reason (about 7 years old) as a adult and that person cannot be baptized in the Rite for Infant Baptisms. If the child is seven years to twelve years old, we have a process called Christian Beginnings  Both the parent and the student must each attend instructional classes. Christian Beginnings is the process by which older children are brought to the appropriate sacraments. Contact the Parish Office at (847) 658-7625 for more information and clarification. The Christian Beginnings brochure can be downloaded by clicking here (PDF file).

Baptizing an Adult

The Catholic Church considers anyone over the age of reason (about 7 years old) as a adult. Teenagers and older are invited to The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA), is the process in which the faith community of Saint Margaret Mary invites people to join the Church. Contact the Parish Office at (847) 658-7625 for more information and clarification.