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Baptism
Baptism is the first sacrament the one received upon entering the Catholic Faith and is a sacrament of initiation. Once an individual has received the sacrament of baptism they officially enter the Catholic Church and the Holy Spirit begins to dwell within them. To receive the sacrament on baptism at St. William of York, candidates must meet the following requirements:
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Must be a registered parishioner for at least 3 months before setting a date
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Must attend a Baptism Preparation Class
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Must submit sponsor forms from the Godparents and a copy of your child's birth certificate prior to setting a date
Baptism for Infants
Baptisms for infants and young children through the age of 7 are held on the 2nd (English) and 4th (Spanish) Saturdays of the month at 3:30 PM. Parents can arrange a baptism by calling the parish office and attending a Preparation Class. Please call the parish office at (540) 659-1102 for available dates.
Baptism for Children of Catechetical Age
Children above age 7 may participate in a special process called the Children's Catechumenate which is the Rite of Christian Initiation for Children. The Children's Catechumenate is a two year program which culminates at the Easter Vigil (the second year). At that time most individuals will receive the Sacrament of Baptism, Communion, and Confirmation. Contact the RE Office at (540) 659-5705 to register for classes.
Baptism for Adults
Any adult who has not been baptized in the Christian faith will attend the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA), this is a process of study and prayer for adults. RCIA meets on Wednesday evenings at 6:30 PM in the parish center, September through the Easter Vigil. Call the parish office (540) 659-1102 to register for OCIA. Exact dates will be provided in the bulletin.
Baptism Preparation Class
The Baptism Preparation Class in English is held the 3rd Thursday of each month at 6:30 PM.
The Baptism Preparation Class in Spanish is held the 2nd Friday of each month at 7:00 PM.
La clase de preparacion para el bautismo en espanol se lleva a cabo el segundo viernes de cada mes a las 7:00 PM.
Please call the Parish Office at (540) 659-1102
to register for a class.
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