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THE SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM

Holy Baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life, the gateway to life in the spirit — vitae spiritualis ianua — 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 and are incorporated into the Church and made sharers in her mission. “Baptism is the sacrament of regeneration through water and in the Word.” This sacrament is called Baptism after the central rite by which it is carried out: to baptize (Greek: baptizein) means to “plunge” or “immerse.” The “plunge” into the water symbolizes the catechumen’s burial into Christ’s death from which he rises up by resurrection with Him as “a new creature.”

Requirements for Infant Baptism on the part of the Parents:

Baptism is the first of seven sacraments, and its effects are:

  • Initiates and incorporates a person into the Body of Christ: the Church.

  • Forgives original and personal sin.

  • Becomes a new creation — a child of God — a temple of the Holy Spirit.

  • Confers God’s life and gives sanctifying grace.

  • Every person has the right to a Christian baptism. For the baptism of an infant, at least one (1) Catholic parent must consent to the Baptism and there must be a founded hope that the child will be raised in the Catholic Faith. There is no parish membership requirement to receive Baptism, but non-parishioners must receive the permission of their legitimate pastor.

  • For baptisms to be performed at Saint Mary Basilica, parents must attend the parish’s baptismal preparation program for at least their first child's baptism.

  • At least one, but no more than two godparents should be chosen for the child. Only one man and one woman are permitted. Both godparents must be Baptized Christians, but at least one must be a Baptized Catholic.

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MISSION STATEMENT

St. Mary Basilica Parish is a community of believers united by faith in Jesus Christ and committed to bringing about the kingdom of God. Parish members are encouraged to grow in faith through the celebration of the Eucharist and sacraments, by the study of the Sacred Scriptures and the Catholic Tradition, and by active participation in the ministries of the parish. Parish members are expected to be witnesses for their faith by loving support of one another and through service to the needy, the wider community, and the world mission of the Catholic Church.

CONTACT

Basilica Parish Office:

613 Main Street

Natchez, Mississippi 39120

phone 601.445.5616

fax  601.445.9631

email secretary@stmarybasilica.org

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For inquiries regarding weddings and baptisms, please contact the office.

SAFE ENVIRONMENT

The Basilica of Saint Mary is committed to providing a safe environment for all persons of every age, race, and state of life. In accordance with the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People promulgated by the U.S. Bishops, the Diocese of Jackson encourages any victim of abuse by Clergy or Church Staff or Volunteers to come forward and begin the healing process. We encourage any victim to contact Erika Rojas, Victim Assistance coordinator at 601.326.3736.

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