Baptism is the doorway into the faith community. Before we receive any of the other sacraments of the Church, we are reborn by water and the Holy Spirit through this Biblical sacrament.

At St. Matthias, adults are baptized at the Easter Vigil, the holy night of which it is written: 'The night shall be as bright as day, dazzling is the night for me, and full of gladness.' As we celebrate Christ's resurrection, we welcome our newly baptized members into the Church. Those Christians entering into full communion with the Catholic Church are also confirmed at the Easter Vigil with the newly baptized. 

Children under age 8 can be baptized anytime throughout the year, excluding Palm Sunday. The parent(s) or guardian must meet with a St. Matthias minister beforehand in order to prepare their child for the sacrament. After that, a date can be scheduled for the baptism. Since baptism is not a private ceremony, baptisms generally take place during the Sunday Masses (5 p.m. Sat., 9 a.m. or 11 a.m. Sun.) in the presence of the community. Exceptions must be granted by the pastor. Also, one or two godparents should be chosen to be present at the baptism as well as to make a positive influence on the child as he or she grows older. At least one of the godparents has to be a baptized, confirmed, and practicing Catholic who is at least 16 years old.