The arrival of a new baby into your family requires a great deal of preparation. Since baptism is a birth into the Christian Community, it is in every way as important and solemn as the birth itself. Your baby’s baptism is a time for celebration and joy. Naturally, you want the best for your baby. We want to help you plan and prepare for the baptism in the best possible way.
REQUIREMENTS FOR THE BAPTISM OF YOUR CHILD
Families who wish to have their children baptized must comply with the following four requirements:
1. PARISH REGISTRATION: Families must first be registered as members of this parish church. This can be done by printing information on a “Census 2000” card (panilla de censo), front and BACK side. Cards are in the wall rack across from the office door. The census cards also act as parish registration forms.
2. ACTIVE CATHOLICS: Families must be registered for a MINIMUM of three months before a child will be baptized, and must show evidence of being active Catholics. Active members are those who faithfully attend mass on Sundays and holy days. Active Catholics should contribute to the support of this parish. [Paragraph 2043, Catechism of the Catholic Church]
3. BAPTISM PREPARATION CLASS: Parents must (and godparents are encouraged to) attend this class BEFORE setting a date for the baptism. Call 223-8410 for an appointment. For Spanish speaking families, call Genera Bautista at 223-5472.
4. CHOOSING A GODPARENT: When deciding on godparents, keep in mind that both must be at least 18 years or older. At least one godparent MUST BE, NOT JUST Catholic but an ACTIVE, PRACTICING Catholic who leads a life of faith and who is not under canonical penalty. This means that the person must be registered in a Catholic parish and attend mass faithfully. The godparent cannot be the parent of the child. If this person is not in our parish, he (she) must bring our Sponsor (Godparent) Certificate Form (with the child’s name and date of Baptism on the front.) to his parish, sign it, have his priest sign it, and have his parish’s seal embossed on it. The form should then be mailed to our parish at least two weeks before the scheduled baptism. (A certificate from the sponsor’s parish may also be used.)
BAPTISM DATES FOR ENGLISH SPEAKING FAMILIES: Baptisms are scheduled for the Saturday evening (5:00PM) and Sunday afternoon. Spanish Baptisms take place once a month on a Saturday afternoon. For Saturday 5:00pm Mass baptisms, , the family and godparents are required to attend the mass and are asked to sit in the first or second pew on the choir side. Come early!
NOTE: THERE ARE NO BAPTISMS DURING LENT, from Ash Wednesday to Holy Saturday. ANY CHILD SEVEN YEARS OLD (OR OLDER) MUST JOIN A PROGRAM THAT WILL REQUIRE ATTENDING MEETINGS. The Baptism preparation class is not sufficient.
