Baptism

The Sacrament of Baptism is often called "The door of the Church," because it is the first of the seven sacraments not only in time (since most Catholics receive it as infants) but in priority, since the reception of the other sacraments depends on it. It is the first of the three Sacraments of Initiation, the other two being the Sacrament of Confirmation and the Sacrament of Holy Communion. Once baptized, a person becomes a member of the Church. Traditionally, the rite (or ceremony) of baptism was held outside the doors of the main part of the church, to signify this fact.

Christ Himself ordered His disciples to preach the Gospel to all nations and to baptize those who accept the message of the Gospel. In His encounter with Nicodemus (John 3:1-21), Christ made it clear that baptism was necessary for salvation: "Amen, amen I say to thee, unless a man be born again of water and the Holy Ghost, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God." For Catholics, the sacrament is not a mere formality; it is the very mark of a Christian, because it brings us into new life in Christ.

Baptism Session for Parents

Parents are required to attend one Baptism Session for Parents prior to the Baptism of their child. The session schedule can be found below. Sessions are waived for parents who have attended a session in the 24 months prior to the scheduled Baptism.

Prior to scheduling the Baptism or attending the preparation class you will need to complete a Baptism Data Form.  You can request the form from the parish office or click here.  Fax it to 560-3565 Attn: Peggy Byers, drop it off at the Parish Center, or mail it to the Office of Christian Formation, St. Edward the Confessor Church, 2700 Dolfield Road, Richmond, VA 23235.

Baptism Session for Parents class meets at 1:00 PM in room A/B of the Church building. Below is the schedule until June 1011.  Please call 864-4714 and let Peggy know the date you are planning to attend.

  • June 3, 2012
  • August 12, 2012
  • January 6, 2013
  • April 7, 2013
  • June 2, 2013

Baptism Schedule

Below are the dates scheduled for Baptism during our regular Weekend Liturgies. Please call Peggy at 864-4714 for availability and scheduling. We are limited to two Baptisms per Mass.  No Baptisms are scheduled during Advent or Lent.  Baptisms may be scheduled during the Liturgy on Saturday 5:00 PM or any of the Sunday Liturgies at 7:15, 8:45, 11:15 AM, 5:00 PM.

  • June 9/10, 2012
  • July 7/8, 2012
  • August 18/19, 2012
  • September 22/23, 2012
  • October 6/7, 2013
  • November 10/11, 2013
  • January 12/13, 2013
  • February 2/3, 2013
  • April 13/14, 2013
  • May 11/12, 2013
  • June 15/16, 2013


A Baptism Service is held on designated Sunday afternoons at 1:00 PM. Please call 864-4714 and let Peggy know the date you are planning to attend.

  • June 17, 2012
  • July 15, 2012
  • August 26, 2012
  • September 16, 2012
  • October 21, 2012
  • November 18, 2012
  • January 20, 2013
  • April 21, 2013
  • May 19, 2013
  • June 9, 2013