Baptism

Sacraments
Overview

“Holy Baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life, the gateway to life in the Spirit (vitae spiritualis ianua), and the door which gives access to the other sacraments. Through Baptism we are freed from sin and reborn as sons of God; we become members of Christ, are incorporated into the Church and made sharers in her mission: ‘Baptism is the sacrament of regeneration through water in the word.’” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1213)

Many Catholics receive the sacrament of baptism as infants, in the presence of his or her parents and godparents. Through the saving waters of baptism, Catholics believe that we are washed clean from the stain of original sin (caused by the sin of Adam and Eve). The grace we receive in baptism also makes us children of God the Father and welcomes us into the Catholic Church.

Parish Families who wish to have their child baptized at St. Patrick's should be registered in the parish. Please contact the parish office by phone at 604-874-7818 or by email parish.stpatsvan@rcav.org to receive more information about baptism requirements and dates. 


The parents of children to be baptized must take instruction and pledge to bring up their children in the Faith. Adults who have not received this sacrament participate in a RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) program prior to Baptism.

Contact the Parish Administrator to register you or your child for Baptism.

Discover a sacramental life

Holiness is now
You and I are called, by virtue of our baptism, to lead a life of holiness and become a saint— there is no alternative. Feels like a lot to live up to, doesn’t it? A little like an ultimatum. It can sound like God has too high expectations of us. It can bring us to two kinds of conclusions: Maybe...
Six daily habits for spiritual resiliency
I encountered my own deconstruction a few years ago. I grew up in an exciting, charismatic, evangelistic environment full of mountaintop moments and so when I found myself for the first time deprived of those experiences, I became less and less certain that the Gospel had much to offer to people...
This Game Will Reveal What You Truly Worship
What are the "idols" we are chasing? Arthur Brooks tells of an exercise that he runs through his students, pulling from Aquinas. This breakdown helps us understand what we worship in life.
How St. Oscar Romero changed my life
During the pandemic, I found myself quarantining alone with my two dogs. I was working full-time from home and only stepped outside my apartment to get groceries. I found myself with a lot of time on my hands — more time than I ever had — and my mind would drift. One of the pressures that kept...