Baptism
SACRAMENTS OF INITIATIONWelcome your child into the family of God — the first and most foundational step in a lifetime of faith.
The Sacrament of Baptism
The Open Door of the Church
We are thrilled that you are interested in preparing to present your child for the sacrament of Baptism. Baptism is the first of our sacraments of initiation and is the open door through which we all enter the Church.
It is also an opportunity for you as a parent to reflect on your own faith journey and to prepare yourself for the road that lies ahead for you and your child.
At Saint Katharine Drexel, preparation for Baptism is handled by our pastoral team based on the age of your child:
- Not yet born through age 6 — Contact Brian McCrohan
- Ages 7–11 — Contact Theresa Anderson
- Ages 12–17 — Contact Ana Maria Alvarado
- Adults (18+) — Prepared through our OCIA process with Brian McCrohan
The Preparation Process
What to Expect
Our preparation process is designed to give parents a grounding in the Church’s understanding of Baptism and practical ways to share faith and pray together as a family. The process for infants and children under 7 consists of three steps:
1. Initial Meeting
2. Theology of Baptism
3. Rituals for Family Success
Note: Parents who have completed the full preparation process at Saint Katharine Drexel for another child within the last four years may be eligible for a condensed process after the initial meeting.
2025–2026 Baptism Schedule
| Date | Time | Class |
|---|---|---|
| July 13, 2025 | 1:00–2:30 PM | Theology of Baptism |
| August 10, 2025 | 1:00–2:30 PM | Rituals for Family Success |
| September 14, 2025 | 1:30–3:00 PM | Theology of Baptism |
| October 12, 2025 | 1:00–2:30 PM | Rituals for Family Success |
| November 9, 2025 | 1:00–2:30 PM | Theology of Baptism |
| December 14, 2025 | 1:00–2:30 PM | Rituals for Family Success |
| January 11, 2026 | 1:00–2:30 PM | Theology of Baptism |
| February 8, 2026 | 1:00–2:30 PM | Rituals for Family Success |
| March 8, 2026 | 1:00–2:30 PM | Theology of Baptism |
| April 12, 2026 | 1:00–2:30 PM | Rituals for Family Success |
| May 3, 2026 | 1:00–2:30 PM | Theology of Baptism |
| June 14, 2026 | 1:00–2:30 PM | Rituals for Family Success |
Dates and times subject to change. Contact Brian to confirm availability and begin the registration process.
Get Started
Begin the Preparation Process
Ready to take the next step? Fill out the form and Brian will be in touch to help you begin the preparation process and answer any questions you may have.
Brian McCrohan
Pastoral Associate
brian.mccrohan@saintdrexel.org
301-360-9581
Questions?
We’re Here to Help
Our parish office is open Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–4:00 PM. We’re happy to help you get started on this beautiful journey.