Sacrament of Baptism and Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA)
Holy Baptism is the foundation of all Christian life, the gateway to life in the spirit, and the door that opens access to the other sacraments. The word comes from the Greek βαπτίζειν or “baptízein” which means ‘to immerse’. Through baptism, the person receives the gift of the Holy Spirit and the redemption of sins.
Infant Baptisms
Communal Baptisms Services
Once a month, we offer two communal baptism services on a Saturday at 10 am and 11 am for a maximum of six children per service. The baptism service involves parents, God-parents, family members, and friends. During Lent, we prefer not to celebrate baptisms except in an emergency situation. No baptisms can be celebrated between Palm Sunday and Easter Sunday.
Private baptisms
Only in case of emergency or a serious reason. It may take place when the church is available if you provide your own priest to preside at the christening. SFX priests may be available. Contact Luz Marina Diaz at lmdiaz@sfxavier.org.
Infant Baptism Requirements
Fill out the INFANT BAPTISM FORM
Submit the child’s birth certificate via email at lmdiaz@sfxavier.org or via mail at 55 West 15th Street NY, NY 10011
Parents and Godparents need to take a Baptism class in ANY CHURCH. If you take a baptism class in another church, please submit a letter/certificate stating class attendance. Xavier offers Baptism classes via Zoom on the First Saturday of every month from 10:30 am to 11:45 am.
Zoom Link: https://sfxavierparish.zoom.us/j/95891057876?pwd=T1gyQTVaZEVZVkNnc0NZQjNDb29idz09
Meeting ID: 958 9105 7876. Password: 956606
Adult Baptisms
Adults who want to be baptized must participate in RCIA sessions. RCIA sessions take place between September and Pentecost Sunday. Participants receive the sacraments (Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist) at the Easter Vigil.
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is for:
- Anyone who has never been baptized.
- Anyone who has been baptized into another Christian faith and would like to convert to the Roman Catholic faith.
- Anyone who was baptized Catholic but never received the sacraments of First Communion and Confirmation.
- Any Catholic who has received all the sacraments but would like to deepen his or her faith by attending the RCIA sessions.
RCIA Requirements
Fill out the RCIA FORM
If you have received the sacrament of Baptism, submit your baptism certificate via email at lmdiaz@sfxavier.org or via mail at 55 West 15th Street NY, NY 10011
An interview with Luz Marina Diaz will be arranged in July/August.