BAPTISM

 

Holy Baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life, the gateway to life in the Spirit 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 of adults (and  children age 7 and older) takes place through the RCIA. 

 

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BAPTISM OF INFANTS AND CHILDREN (from birth to age 6)

 

Parents who wish to present their child for baptism (below the age of seven) are asked to attend the one evening preparation class—Schedule of classes available here.   At least one parent must be an active parishioner for at least 6 months before a child may be baptized. If the family has not been active in the parish for that time, the parent(s) will need to meet with the pastor to discuss the Sacrament.  It is expected that there be a profound hope that the child be raised in the Catholic faith—minimally to attend each Sunday Mass and be formed through our parish school or Christian Formation program.  As part of the preparation for the baptism of your child, the parents are asked to select the godparents.

Godparents

It is the duty of the godparents to assist the parents in their duty to raise the child in the practice of the faith.

Each person being baptized must have one godparent, they may have two: a godfather and a godmother. In order to serve as a godparent a person must themselves:

• have received all three sacraments of initiation (Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist),
• be at least 16 years of age,
• be leading a life in harmony with the faith and role to be undertaken. A godparent must be a practicing Catholic who attends Mass each Sunday, receives the sacraments regularly, is in full communion with the Church and sees to the religious instruction of his/her own family.
• a letter of eligibility from the godparent's pastor is required if the godparent is a member of another parish.
   

The father or mother of the person being baptized may not serve as a godparent.

By exception, a baptized non-Catholic Christian may assist in the baptism by serving as a Christian Witness. However, there must be at least one godparent who is Catholic.  If you have questions please contact either Eva Warner or the pastor.