"Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you." - Matthew 28:19-20
Baptism is one of the greatest gifts that God has given us, and one of the greatest gifts that parents can give to their children. Through Baptism, a person is united to the saving death and resurrection of Jesus Christ; or, to put it another way, what Jesus did for us by dying and rising from the dead is applied individually to the baptized person.
When someone is baptized, the risen life of the Lord Jesus begins to live in that person’s soul. This person begins the adventure of the Christian life, in which he or she is called to become like Jesus Himself. It is our union with the Lord Jesus, which begins with Baptism, that gives us the hope of heaven.
Baptism, then, is so much more than just a "naming ceremony" or a blessing for a new child. Because of the importance of Baptism, this sacrament is approached with great reverence and care within Holy Cross Pastorate.