Baptism

Infant Baptism

During the earliest years of the Church, only adults were permitted to be baptized, and only after a year or two of preparation. The practice of infant baptism arose in response to the earnest longing of Christian parents to share the gift of baptism with their children.

Baptism ordinarily takes place at the parish you are attending. The church building and the people who attend with you represent the faith that you are choosing for your child.

To get up to date information on OLR, please register on our Parish Registration page and you will receive a weekly bulletin by email.

At Our Lady of Refuge, we hold small group baptisms once a month, on a Saturday at 10:00 A.M. Those interested in having their child baptized can call the church office, (562) 498-6641. Information is available about Baptism Preparation and the current schedule of dates available.

Baptism of Older Children

Children over the age of seven at Our Lady of Refuge enroll in a special age-appropriate process which consists of classes in preparation for the Sacrament of Baptism and often simultaneously the Sacraments of First Reconciliation and Communion. Please contact the Religious Education office for more information, (562) 597-3102.

Baptism of Adults

Adults prepare to receive the sacrament of Baptism at Our Lady of Refuge through the Adult Initiation process. The informal, informative weekly gatherings, presented by trained parishioners, are based on the scriptural record of Jesus’ life, and provide ongoing opportunities for inquiry, discussion, reflection, prayer, service, and personal faith formation.