Sacrament of Baptism.
What is Baptism?
A way to celebrate together.
When do we celebrate Baptism?
Baptism is often celebrated on Sundays during Mass. Children can be baptized as soon as they are born; you only need to make an appointment with Father. If you are interested in receiving the Sacrament of Baptism, please call the parish office for further information. Baptism for adults is a part of Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults or RCIA.
Vision
Why is Holy Baptism Important?
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."
Catechism of the Catholic Church
CCC 1213
Our Parish
Why Choose Us
Our New Baptism Preparation Program: Belonging – Baptism in the Family of God
We are excited to introduce our new parish baptism preparation program, Belonging: Baptism in the Family of God. This program is designed to help parents and families experience the beauty of the Sacrament of Baptism and to encounter Jesus and His Church in a meaningful way.
Through a unique online format and a follow-up conversation with our parish, Belonging walks with parents as they prepare to bring their child into God’s family.
The Program Includes:
- Inspiring video sessions led by Fr. Mike Schmitz.
- An online Parent’s Guide with summaries, reflection questions, and activities for deeper engagement.
- Quizzes for each session to ensure understanding and preparation.
- A course completion certificate, which parents submit to the parish.
How It Works:
- Parents complete the online Belonging Certification Course at their own pace.
- After finishing, parents send their completion certificate to the parish.
- Families then meet with the parish priest or baptism team for a personal conversation, using the Belonging Session Guide to support discussion and preparation.
Why Belonging?
The Sacrament of Baptism is not only the beginning of Christian life—it is also an invitation to discover that in God’s family, we always have a place where we belong. This program helps parents grow in faith, understand their sacred role, and celebrate the gift of their child’s baptism with joy and confidence.
Sacrament of Baptism.
How the Program Works:
- Register Online – Parents begin by registering through our parish website.
- Schedule a Meeting with Fr. Marius – After registration, parents set up a meeting with Fr. Marius. This meeting must take place at least one month before the baptism date.
- Complete the Online Belonging Certification Course – Parents are directed to the Belonging course, which they can complete at their own pace. The course includes:
- Inspiring video sessions with Fr. Mike Schmitz
- A digital Parent’s Guide with reflections, activities, and discussion questions
- Short quizzes to check understanding
- A completion certificate
- Submit the Certificate – Once the course is complete, parents send their certificate to the parish office.
- Follow-Up Meeting – Parents return for a follow-up meeting with Fr. Marius. Using the Belonging Session Guide, this conversation helps deepen understanding and prepare the family for the celebration of Baptism.
Why Belonging?
The Sacrament of Baptism is the gateway to life in Christ and the foundation of our Christian journey. Belonging reminds parents that in the Church, we always have a home, a family, and a place where we belong.
| 07 | October | 2025 | Starting with Mass at 7:00 PM - Meeting follows at 7:30 PM | St. Francis De Sales Church - High River | ||||||||
| 02 | December | 2025 | Starting with Mass at 7:00 PM - Meeting follows at 7:30 PM | St. Francis De Sales Church - High River | ||||||||
| 03 | February | 2026 | Starting with Mass at 7:00 PM - Meeting follows at 7:30 PM | St. Francis De Sales Church - High River | ||||||||
| 07 | April | 2026 | Starting with Mass at 7:00 PM - Meeting follows at 7:30 PM | St. Francis De Sales Church - High River | ||||||||
| 02 | June | 2026 | Starting with Mass at 7:00 PM - Meeting follows at 7:30 PM | St. Francis De Sales Church - High River | ||||||||
| 04 | August | 2026 | Starting with Mass at 7:00 PM - Meeting follows at 7:30 PM | St. Francis De Sales Church - High River | ||||||||
- The parents consent, or at least one of them, or someone legally standing in their place,
- and that there be reasonable hope that the child will be brought up in the Catholic faith.
- A person may have one or two godparents (also called sponsors);
- A person may have one or two godparents (also called sponsors);
- if two are chosen, they must be male and female.
- be chosen by the parents,
- have the ability and the intention to fulfil the role,
- be at least 16 years of age, and...
- be a confirmed Roman Catholic, who has already received the Most Holy Eucharist,
- leading a life in harmony with the Catholic Faith (including Marriage) and will be a good role model for the one being Baptized,
- and be neither the father nor the mother of the child;
- A baptized person who belongs to another Christian community may be admitted only as a Christian witness (not a godparent) provided that there is at least one Roman Catholic godparent who fulfills the above criteria.
- A non-baptized person cannot be a witness.
Celebrating all our sacraments is a community event, and our community is the Parish where we live. Those who live within our parish boundaries, where at least one of the parents is Catholic, may have their child baptized here. Those who do not live within the limits of the Parish must demonstrate some prior personal or familial connection to the Parish, Fr. Marius will review the case and if approved, you may have your child baptized here. To begin the process of having your child baptized at the Parish, please REGISTER
Our Latest Baptisms
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