The Sacrament of Baptism is often called "the door of the Church", because it is the first of the seven sacraments, not only in time (since most Catholics receive it as infants) but in priority, since the reception of the other sacraments depends on it.

It is the first of the three Sacraments of Initiation, the other two being the Sacrament of Confirmation and the Sacrament of Holy Eucharist.

Once baptized, a person becomes a member of the Church. Traditionally, the rite of baptism was held outside the doors of the main part of the church, to signify this fact. At OLPS, baptism usually takes place in the baptistry of the church.

Baptism is the very mark of a Christian because it brings us into new life in Christ.

Infant Baptism

Infant Baptism is for infants and children up to 6 years of age. If your child is 7 years or older, please see the next section. Parent’s who wish for their baby/child to be baptized should complete the webform below and call the church office to leave a message for the priest or deacon, who they desire to celebrate the sacrament.  The church office is open Monday-Friday 8am-12pm and 1pm-4:30pm and the phone number is 318-445-3693.

Parents will be required to meet with the priest or deacon for baptismal preparation. Please bring the child’s birth certificate to the meeting. At least one Godparent is required to celebrate a baptism, and at least one of the two Godparents selected, must be a Catholic in good standing. They must have completed their sacraments of initiation and, if married, must be married in the Catholic Church.

Older Child Baptism-RCIC (Rite of Christian Initiation of Children)

If your child is 7 years or older, they must attend faith formation classes for 1 year before being baptized. Each case will be handled on a case by case basis, relative to the number of other candidates and the respective ages.

The Catholic Church believes that a child aged 7 years or older has reached the age of reason. Because a child has reached the age of reason, he/she will receive all three Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Eucharist, Confirmation) at the same time, usually during the Easter Vigil Mass.

To request baptism for your child 7-17 years old, please complete the webform below AND call the church office Monday-Friday 8am-12pm or 1pm-4:30pm, at 318-445-3693 for additional information. You will be asked to leave a message and you will be contacted with information on a return phone call.

Adult Baptism-RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation)

If you are an adult and you wish to be baptized and/or become Catholic, you will need to enroll in our RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) program. 

For most, the RCIA program is a 9 month program for those who have never been baptized, those who have been baptized in another faith tradition, or those who have been baptized in the Catholic faith but have not received the other Sacraments of Initiation. 

Our RCIA classes are held in the Divine Providence Center-Youth Room on Tuesdays from 6:30-7:30pm, from the Wednesday after Labor Day until Easter. Any person of any faith is welcome to attend classes, parishioners and Catholics from other parishes are encouraged to attend with candidates, and drop-ins are welcome.

Special arrangements may be made for the elderly, infirmed, homebound or dying.

For more information please call the church office at 318-445-3693 Monday-Friday 8am-12 or 1pm-4:30pm.