Baptism

 

The sacraments of Christian initiation: Baptism, Eucharist, and Confirmation, lay the foundations of the Christian Life (CCC 1212). Baptism is the purifying and sanctifying sacrament of rebirth. When baptized, a person is born into the body of Christ – the church. This first sacrament forgives all sins and opens the way for a person to live and grow with God and the Church through other sacraments.

 

Godparents

When choosing Godparents for your child, the Godparent must be a fully initiated Catholic having the sacraments of Baptism, first Eucharist, and Confirmation, and they should be at least 16 years of age. Godparents are to be practicing Catholics who lead a life in harmony with the faith and role to be undertaken, since they are to assist the parents with the teachings of the church. If the Godparent is married, they should have been married in a Catholic ritual. If you choose two Godparents, one must be male and the other female.

Someone who is not Catholic, but a member of a Christian church with a valid baptism can act as a Christian Witness for the child. In this case, the other sponsor needs to be another fully initiated Catholic

Godparents have a great responsibility. They make a promise to God, the parents, the child, and to the Church. You promise out loud to witness gospel attitudes and values in your life and in the relationships that will develop with this child. You promise that you will be a Christian community for the child being baptized. You promise to surround this child with care, concern, support, faith, trust, challenge, and compassion as they mature.

 


You must make an appointment to be registered for baptism.  Birth certificates are required.  A class is required for the parents and the godparents prior to the baptism. You may print out the baptism form here and mail or deliver it to the parish office.  The time and date of the baptism will be discussed at the required class. There are no baptisms during Lent.