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Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi

diocese of metuchen

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  • Home
    • Who We Are
      • Welcome
      • Rector
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      • Contact Us
      • Parish History
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        Parishioner
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        Memorials
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      • What are Sacraments?
      • Baptism
      • Holy Communion
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      • What is Parish
        Religious Education?
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        /Confession
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      • First Communion
        Preparation
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        Monthly Calendar
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        Monthly Schedule
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      • St. Francis
        Cathedral School
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      • Adult Catechism
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      • BOLD Youth Ministry
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        Organization (CYO)
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      and Grieving
      • Care for the
        Sick or Dying
      • Care for the
        Homebound
      • Care for a
        Departed Loved One
      • Care for those Who
        Lost a Loved One
    • Liturgical Ministries
      • Directory of Liturgical
        Ministries
      • Altar Servers
      • Extraordinary
        Ministers of
        the Eucharist
      • Lectors
      • Ushers and
        Greeters
    • Sacred Music
      • Cathedral Sacred Music
        Ministry
      • Adult Choir
      • Children's Choir
      • Kids of the
        Kingdom
      • Support the
        Concert Series
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      • Eucharistic Adoration
      • Prayer Tree
  • Stewardship
    • Time, Talent, Treasure
      • Faith Direct
      • Volunteer Opportunities
  • Events & More...
    • Cathedral Events
      • Upcoming Cathedral
        & Diocesan Events
    • Encountering Christ
      during Holy Week
      • Cathedral HOLY WEEK
        Celebration
      • Cathedral
        Holy Week Schedule
    • Jingle Bells
      Craft Celebration
    • The 2025 Bishop's
      Annual Appeal
      • The 2025 Bishop's
        Annual Appeal
    • Prayer Books,
      Pamphlets, and Prayers
      • Guidelines for 2025 Mass Intention Book
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        Diocese of Metuchen
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    • what is baptism?

      The sacrament of baptism ushers us into the divine life, cleanses us from sin, and initiates us as members of the Christian community. It is the foundation for the sacramental life.

      At baptism, the presider prays over the water:

      Father, look now with love upon your Church, and unseal for her the fountain of baptism. By the power of the Holy Spirit give to this water the grace of your Son, so that in the sacrament of baptism all those whom you have created in your likeness may be cleansed from sin and rise to a new birth of innocence by water and the Holy Spirit. (Christian Initiation of Adults, #222A)

      Freed from Sin

      Baptism frees us from the bondage of original and actual sin. Water is poured in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Today, the sacrament of baptism is often performed on infants, shortly after birth. Adult baptisms take place at the Easter Vigil through the restored Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults. Adults or children who have been baptized in a valid Christian church are not baptized again in the Catholic church. As we say in the Nicene Creed, “I confess one Baptism for the forgiveness of sins…”

      The Catechism teaches:
      "The fruit of Baptism, or baptismal grace, is a rich reality that includes forgiveness of original sin and all personal sins, birth into the new life by which man becomes an adoptive son of the Father, a member of Christ and a temple of the Holy Spirit. By this very fact the person baptized is incorporated into the Church, the Body of Christ, and made a sharer in the priesthood of Christ" (CCC 1279).

      Baptismal Symbols

      • Water – The waters of baptism recall Jesus’ own baptism by John the Baptist in the river Jordan. Water is a symbol of cleansing and renewal as we begin a new life in Christ. We are washed clean of sin.

      • Oil – At baptism we are anointed into the life of Christ as “priest, prophet and king.” A cross is traced on the candidate’s forehead as a reminder that we are inheritors of the Kingdom of God.

      • Light – The baptismal candle is lit from the Paschal or Easter candle that stands in the church as a sign of Christ’s light in the world. At baptism, we receive the light of Christ and are called forth to share this light with the world.

      • White garment – The white garment that is placed upon us at baptism is a symbol of Christ’s victory over death and his glorious resurrection. Likewise, the white garment or pall that is placed over the coffin at the time of death recalls our baptismal promises and reminds us that we are destined for eternal life.

      At the Cathedral, Baptisms are celebrated on more than forty Sundays per year.  Parents must be registered and, first-time Parents, or Parents new to the Parish are required to attend a Baptismal Seminar (preferably before the baby is born).  Parents should come to the Rectory Office to complete the "Baptismal Guidlines Booklet." Parents must also choose one or two godparents (sponsors).

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