Baptism

Infant Baptism has been practiced since apostolic times (shortly after the apostles).
Through this Sacrament, children are freed from Original Sin and are welcomed into the
Body of Christ, the Church, where they have access to the fullness of God’s love and
the means of salvation. Their parents, god-parents, and the parish community commit
themselves to their ongoing formation in faith and knowledge of the tradition of the
Church. The best gift that parents can give their children is God’s grace in baptism and
the life in the Church.

Baptism of Children ages 0-6: One parent must be a registered member of St.
Thomas, an active Catholic and attend a preparation session.

The last preparation session for 2023 is October 14.

2024 preparation sessions: (all at 6pm)   January 23, April 8, July 16. October 7

For Baptism Preparation and Scheduling, please contact Elizabeth Engelken or Fr
Kyle during parish office hours, 515-292-3810.

Baptism Preparation Class: The next session: Tuesday, January 17 at 6:00pm in the
Bethany and Newman Rooms. Nancy and Craig Fink will lead the classes.

Celebration of Baptism:  Our preference is to schedule only one Baptism at a Mass.

Children 7 years of age and older who want baptism enter into the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults adapted for children. Preparation sessions are offered for the children and their parents and godparents. When prepared the children celebrate Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist at the Easter Vigil.