“This isn’t just about the baby—this isn’t just about the parents and godparents. This is about all of us, and it is about our faith.”

This realization came to Con O’Mahony, Vicar for Education in the Diocese of Hamilton, Ontario, and pastor at St. Margaret Mary Parish, while attending a baptism at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels in Los Angeles. Standing in a full cathedral before John Nava’s magnificent tapestries depicting the communion of saints, he suddenly understood: “We are not doing this alone. We’re not doing this in isolation. We are doing this with the whole church—there’s something bigger than ourselves.”

Con explains that preaching doesn’t start at the ambo—it begins in personal encounters, especially when preparing for sacraments as intimate as baptism. He connects with families before any paperwork is done, even if only for a few minutes before the ceremony, asking about the child’s name and listening to their stories. Often, his best homily material comes from these everyday conversations—like a second grader’s humorous definition of baptism: “When the priest gives you a bath in church so that God will like you better.” Con sees truth in this: baptism is God washing us, but with one crucial correction—not to make God like us better, but to show that God’s unconditional love has always been there for us all along.

Con and host Ricardo da Silva, S.J., connect this love not only to the person being baptized but to the whole community and to the faith itself. The conversation moves from the practical—how Con prepares, what makes a good baptismal homily—to a deeper shift in perspective. As Ricardo reflects, too often “we tend to preach for people that we don’t think we’ll ever see again.” What if, instead, we “preach as though you want to see them again—and you are going to see them again? This is not a once-and-for-all moment—this is a once, and then.”

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Homily for the Sacrament of Baptism by Con O’Mahony 

In our children’s program, a few years ago, one of the grade-two children was asked if she knew what Baptism was and with great seriousness, she said, “Yes, that’s when the priest gives you a bath in church so that God will like you better.” 

Children, in their innocence, often see things in the simplest way, and while Baptism is certainly not just a bath, there is a little truth hidden in her answer. Because in Baptism, God does indeed wash us, not to like us better but to show that he already loves us completely. This afternoon, we gather for a truly joyful moment in the life of our parish family, the Baptism of five young children: Louise, Kai, Anthony, Ada and Jabari. What a blessing to welcome them into the household of God!

This celebration is both deeply personal for each family and, at the same time, it belongs to all of us, the whole church community. Today, these little ones begin their journey of faith, a journey that we will walk with them. 

From the very first moments of the Baptism ceremony, we see beautiful signs that speak of what is happening. Just a little while ago, we began at the door of the church because Baptism is an entry into the life of the church. Just as we enter our homes through a door, so through Baptism, we enter into God’s household. At the doorway, if you remember, the parents were asked, what name have you given to your child? What do you ask of the church? And the answer, Baptism is much more than a polite response. It’s a profession of faith.

By bringing your children here you are saying, “I want my child to belong to Christ, to live as his disciple.” And then came the first gesture, the sign of the cross traced on each forehead, the priest, the parents and the godparents marked the children with the sign of salvation declaring, “You belong to Christ.” This is a sign of love, protection and belonging. In a few moments, we will move to the Baptism of fund, and there parents, godparents, family and friends will be invited to renew the core beliefs of our faith. Together we will reject sin, profess our belief in the Father, son and Holy Spirit and commit ourselves to walk as disciples of Christ. Notice that this is not a private ritual, but something we do as one community. Parents and godparents, you are not alone here. You are surrounded by the prayers, the support and the witness of the entire church.

At the font, we come to the heart of the sacrament, the pouring of water in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Water cleanses, it refreshes, it gives life. In Baptism, it does even more. God cleanses the soul from sin, fills it with divine life and makes these children a new creation. From this day on, they are forever claimed as beloved sons and daughters. 

After the pouring of the water, each child will be anointed on the top of their heads with sacred chrism. This holy oil, with a fragrance that will fill the church, marks them as shares in Christ’s mission: priest, prophet and king. Even as little ones, they are given a purpose to live holy lives, to proclaim God’s word and to serve in love. Their mission will unfold over the years shaped by the love of their parents, the guidance of you, the godparents, and the support of you, the family, friends and the whole parish. 

Finally, a candle will be given, lit from the great Easter candle. It is a sign that the light of Christ now burns within each of these children. This light is entrusted to you, parents and godparents, to keep burning brightly through prayer, example and love. A candle shines only if it is tended, and so it is with faith. We must make time and space for it to grow and mature. And so this afternoon, we rejoice Louise, Kai, Anthony, Ada and Jabari, now share in the life, light and mission of Christ. 

May this celebration remind us all of our own Baptism, when we too were claimed as God’s children. May it renew in us the call to carry Christ’s light into our homes, our families and our world, so that the flame kindled in these little ones today may always burn brightly leading them and all of us to the fullness of life in God’s kingdom. 

“Preach: The Catholic Homilies Podcast,” hosted by Ricardo da Silva, S.J., helps Christian preachers develop their craft and captivate their congregations in more effective ways.