Baptism, a first step toward Christ

Baptism, a first step toward Christ

Through baptism, we are welcomed into the life of Christ and the Church. It is the first step of a spiritual journey rooted in faith, grace, and community.

Through baptism, we are welcomed into the life of Christ and the Church. It is the first step of a spiritual journey rooted in faith, grace, and community.

A priest preparing the holy water for a baptism
A priest preparing the holy water for a baptism
A priest preparing the holy water for a baptism

“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”

Matthew 28:19

A painting of the baptism of Jesus-Christ
A painting of the baptism of Jesus-Christ
A painting of the baptism of Jesus-Christ
What is Baptism?

Baptism is the foundational Catholic sacrament signifying new life in faith. Through it, one becomes a member of the Church community.

The ritual uses water as a symbol of spiritual cleansing and rebirth in Christ. It marks the beginning of the Catholic journey.

This sacred tradition is celebrated with families and the faith community, welcoming the baptized into a life rooted in love and hope.

GUIDELINES

GUIDELINES

GUIDELINES

Preparing for baptism, step by step

Preparing for baptism, step by step

Each baptism begins with a simple request — and unfolds gently, through preparation, prayer, and encounter. Here’s how we accompany each person or family, step by step, toward this joyful beginning.

Each baptism begins with a simple request — and unfolds gently, through preparation, prayer, and encounter. Here’s how we accompany each person or family, step by step, toward this joyful beginning.

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The Demand

The parents (or the adult in the case of an adult baptism) call the church's main office to make an appointment (504) 866-3669 to receive the sacrament.

Parents
  • One of them must be Catholic.

  • If it is your first child, you must attend the Baptism Seminar.

  • Baptism Seminars are held every last Sunday of each month, at 9:30 AM in the rectory - 8128 Plum Street - NOLA - 70118.

  • You must bring your child's birth certificate.

  • Make sure to call our office at (504) 866-3669 to schedule your seminar and your child's baptism. Or you Call Brian Dufrene (985) 414-1642

  • If you are the Godparent yourself, you must present your certificate, so you do not have to attend the Baptism Seminar.

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3

The Godparents
  • One of the Godparents must be Catholic.

  • Godparents must attend the Baptism Seminar if it is his/her first child to be baptized.

  • If they already have attended the Baptism Seminar, they must present the certificate.

  • If the Godparents have children that they already baptized in the Catholic Church, they don't have to attend the Baptism Seminar, but they must present the certificate of attendance.

  • They must be 18 or older.

  • They must have already received the Sacrament of Confirmation.

Baptism

Baptism is the beginning of a journey of faith: the person is invited to grow in relationship with Christ.

The Baptism is on the last Sunday of each month, after the 10:30 AM Mass. Please, call the office (504)866-3669 to schedule. 

4

FAQ

Frequently
Asked
Questions

How do I request a baptism?

You can contact the church directly by calling (504) 866-3669. Baptisms are usually prepared over a few meetings with a priest or lay team.

Can I get married at Mater Dolorosa?

Yes, Mater Dolorosa welcomes couples preparing for marriage. Please get in touch at least six months in advance to begin the preparation process.

How do I check the Mass times?

Mass times are available by clicking on the icon at the bottom right of your screen.

I haven’t been to church in a while. Can I still attend Mass?

Absolutely. You are always welcome, whether it’s your first time or you're returning after many years.

How can I support the church?

You can make a donation via our “Support” page, or get involved in Mater Dolorosa Pairsh by volunteering. Every gesture counts.

How do I request a funeral mass?

Please call (504) 866-3669 to schedule the Mass.

FAQ

Frequently
Asked
Questions

How do I request a baptism?

You can contact the church directly by calling (504) 866-3669. Baptisms are usually prepared over a few meetings with a priest or lay team.

Can I get married at Mater Dolorosa?

Yes, Mater Dolorosa welcomes couples preparing for marriage. Please get in touch at least six months in advance to begin the preparation process.

How do I check the Mass times?

Mass times are available by clicking on the icon at the bottom right of your screen.

I haven’t been to church in a while. Can I still attend Mass?

Absolutely. You are always welcome, whether it’s your first time or you're returning after many years.

How can I support the church?

You can make a donation via our “Support” page, or get involved in Mater Dolorosa Pairsh by volunteering. Every gesture counts.

How do I request a funeral mass?

Please call (504) 866-3669 to schedule the Mass.

FAQ

Frequently
Asked
Questions

How do I request a baptism?

You can contact the church directly by calling (504) 866-3669. Baptisms are usually prepared over a few meetings with a priest or lay team.

Can I get married at Mater Dolorosa?

Yes, Mater Dolorosa welcomes couples preparing for marriage. Please get in touch at least six months in advance to begin the preparation process.

How do I check the Mass times?

Mass times are available by clicking on the icon at the bottom right of your screen.

I haven’t been to church in a while. Can I still attend Mass?

Absolutely. You are always welcome, whether it’s your first time or you're returning after many years.

How can I support the church?

You can make a donation via our “Support” page, or get involved in Mater Dolorosa Pairsh by volunteering. Every gesture counts.

How do I request a funeral mass?

Please call (504) 866-3669 to schedule the Mass.

SACRAMENTS

SACRAMENTS

SACRAMENTS

Other sacraments

Reconciliation

Experience God's mercy and healing through the sacrament of confession.

Learn more

Reconciliation

Experience God's mercy and healing through the sacrament of confession.

Learn more

Reconciliation

Experience God's mercy and healing through the sacrament of confession.

Learn more

Anointing of the Sick

A sacrament of comfort and healing for those who are ill in body or spirit.

Learn more

Anointing of the Sick

A sacrament of comfort and healing for those who are ill in body or spirit.

Learn more

Anointing of the Sick

A sacrament of comfort and healing for those who are ill in body or spirit.

Learn more

First Communion

Receive the Body of Christ and be united more deeply with Him and the Church.

Learn more

First Communion

Receive the Body of Christ and be united more deeply with Him and the Church.

Learn more

First Communion

Receive the Body of Christ and be united more deeply with Him and the Church.

Learn more

Confirmation

The gift of the Holy Spirit to strengthen faith and fully embrace one’s mission as a Catholic.

Learn more

Confirmation

The gift of the Holy Spirit to strengthen faith and fully embrace one’s mission as a Catholic.

Learn more

Confirmation

The gift of the Holy Spirit to strengthen faith and fully embrace one’s mission as a Catholic.

Learn more

Marriage

A sacred covenant of love and fidelity, rooted in God's blessing and the couple’s mutual commitment.

Learn more

Marriage

A sacred covenant of love and fidelity, rooted in God's blessing and the couple’s mutual commitment.

Learn more

Marriage

A sacred covenant of love and fidelity, rooted in God's blessing and the couple’s mutual commitment.

Learn more

Contact us

Have a question, a need, or something on your heart? We’re here to listen. Feel free to reach out, we’ll take the time to respond with care.

A cloudy blue sky

Contact us

Have a question, a need, or something on your heart? We’re here to listen. Feel free to reach out, we’ll take the time to respond with care.

A cloudy blue sky

Contact us

Have a question, a need, or something on your heart? We’re here to listen. Feel free to reach out, we’ll take the time to respond with care.

A cloudy blue sky