Dear Parishioners of St. James:
Praised be Jesus Christ!
After Adam and Eve sinned and were banished from the garden of Eden, God promised to redeem mankind. In the fullness of time, He sent His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, on a rescue mission. The death and resurrection of Jesus redeemed the infinite offense of our first parents. The Sacrament of Baptism accesses the redemption won by Jesus Christ. Baptism washes away the stain of Original Sin and makes us adopted children of God.
Jesus Christ submitted to be baptized by John in the river Jordan to make the waters of Baptism holy. God chose Joshua to lead the Israelites into the promised land through the same River thousands of years before Christ. By dying on the Cross and rising from the dead, Jesus leads into the new promised land of Heaven those who are washed in the sanctified waters of the Sacrament of Baptism.
Since Baptism is necessary for salvation, the Church requires the faithful to receive Baptism as soon as possible after birth. God our Father wants to bestow His gifts on His children. Therefore, do not delay the Baptism of your children. Baptism makes us children of God and heirs to the kingdom of Heaven.
God bless you,
Fr. Geary
Saint James Catholic Church 