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)

Infant Baptism Policy

Infant baptism is celebrated several times a year at a weekend liturgy. Each Infant baptism celebration is limited to six children. Children must be age six or younger. Children seven years old or older are initiated through the RCIA process, click here for more information).

First Steps:
1. Submit the necessary paperwork (Baptism Registration Form, Christian Witness Certificate Baptism Form, Godparent Certificate Baptism Form). Once the request form is complete and a certificate of live birth has been received at the parish, then parents may proceed with the next step. Please note that you must submit the forms in person or via email.

2. Baptism Scheduling – To schedule a baptism contact Susan Burdett at (206) 503-2415 and/or sburdett@olfatima.org. Please note that a completed baptismal registration form and a copy of Live Birth Certificate are needed before scheduling a date.

3. Parents are required to have attended the baptism class within the last 2 years. Godparent(s) are also welcome and encouraged to attend.

In general, baptisms should be celebrated in the parish boundaries where you live. Requests from outside Our Lady of Fatima boundaries are considered on a case by case basis depending on space availability. Families not registered and participating in parish stewardship giving are asked to give a $200 donation when turning in their paperwork.

For more information contact Susan Burdett at 206.503.2415.

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 are 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.

While in ordinary circumstances, sacraments in the Catholic Church are administered validly by a member of the ordained clergy, in an emergency situation, the sacrament of baptism can be administered by anyone.

In case of necessity, any person can baptize provided that he have the intention of doing that which the Church does and provided that he pour water on the candidates head while saying: “I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” (CCC 1284).