Baptism - The Admission to the Church RETURN TO THE SACRAMENTS PAGE Holy Baptism is the sacrament by which we join the Church. It is where we formally receive our Christian names. Infants are intended to be baptized. While they cannot answer the questions of faith themselves, their godparents answer on their behalf. Infant Baptism (Christening) is also a promise on the part of the parents and godparents that the child will be raised in a good and Christian household, taught the faith, and brought before the bishop at the appropriate age for the sacrament of Confirmation so that they may themselves publically and personally affirm the baptismal promised made by their sponsors. Adults are also baptized if they were not baptized as children. In such a case, it is intended that they proceed as quickly as is possible and appropriate to receive confirmation. When they have received sufficient instruction prior to baptism, as is often the case, baptism and confirmation may be done at the same time if the bishop is present. For more on the doctrine and theology relating to Baptism, please visit the Southwest Catechism page or acquire a copy at the ADSW Bookstore.   To contact the Archdiocese about Baptism, please click here.