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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 is the sacrament of regeneration through water in the word.
Catechism of the Catholic Church 1213
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Welcome to St. Mary & St Philip Baptism Program
Welcome! We welcome your family on this joyous occasion of the celebration of your child’s/godchild’s baptism! We look forward to assisting your family in preparing for the baptism of your child. The baptism preparation session at both parishes is designed to provide the formation and information needed to fully understand the Sacrament of Baptism and your role as a Catholic parent/godparent.
This brochure is designed to provide you with some basic information about the preparation process and requirements. It will outline the parish’s approach to infant baptism. The first consideration is also the most important: making the decision to baptize your child and what this decision means to you.
May the Lord continue to bless your lives with love and the assurance that this child will be held dearly in the palm of God’s hand!
What are the requirements for parents?
- At least one parent must be a practicing Catholic, who is committed to raising the child in the Catholic faith. A parent that is not Catholic has to express a willingness to help and create a home where a child will receive an environment to grow in faith as taught by the Catholic Church.
- Attendance at one hour Baptism Formation Session is required before the child is baptized unless this is your second child and you attended a formation session when your first child was baptized.
- The family asking for their child to be baptized at has to be a registered member of our faith community. If you are not registered you may register at the rectory office before the process begins or by visiting us..
We invite you to contact us even before your child is born and to plan in advance.
What are the requirements for godparents (sponsors)?
Godparents are members of the Christian community who, by their lives and their faith, set a good example for the child whose initiation into this community they are sponsoring. Godparents may also support the parents in the upbringing of the child as a Catholic Christian. They should be able to stay in communication with the child as he or she is growing up.
- As we indicated, the godparent promises to support and assist the parents in raising the child in the Catholic faith and be a mentor to the child in the Catholic faith.
- Usually a child has two godparents, but only one is necessary.
- Godparents must be at least 16 years of age, practicing Catholics, and have celebrated the Sacraments of Baptism, Eucharist, and Confirmation.
- It is possible for a non-Catholic person to be a witness as long as one godparent is Catholic.
- Finding a godparent in some circumstances may be difficult. In such situation, we ask that parents speak to either the pastor or the baptismal team member who will be more than willing to assist in any way possible.
- If Godparent(s) cannot be present for your child’s baptism, you may choose others to stand in as proxies for the Baptism ceremony. Only the names of the chosen (actual) godparents will appear on the Baptism certificate.
When and where is the Baptism celebrated?
We encourage parents and godparents to celebrate the baptism of their children during Mass with the entire community. As a parish family we look forward to being there with you at one Eucharistic celebration at this important moment in your life.
Baptism - together with Eucharist and Confirmation - is one of the Sacraments of Initiation. It is communal by nature. The sacrament of Baptism is celebrated at either the 4:00pm Saturday Mass or the 10:30am Sunday Mass at St. Mary or at the 9:00am Sunday Mass at St. Philip. The sacrament may be celebrated at another time for a serious reason. If you wish to have your child receive baptism outside of Mass, we ask that you discuss your reasons with Fr. Leo.
We do encourage you to plan ahead and in advance and be conscious of the fact that our parish Mass schedule fills quickly. Many other events are celebrated during the year.Above all we wish you to remember that Baptism is not an isolated event; it is an expression of your faith and a commitment on your part to raise your child in a Christian family and a Christian community. The focus is as much on you as it is on the child. Through the communal celebration of infant baptism, the parish expresses its joy in welcoming a new member as well as its commitment to provide support and community of faith for you and your child as you undertake the mission of living as a Christian family.
Baptism by the Pouring of Water or the Immersion
What about Baptism by immersion? Water is a primary symbol of Baptism. Baptism by immersion is the fuller use of this symbol. The Rite of Infant Baptism has a clear preference for immersion, thus letting the symbol speak clearly and powerfully.
The very word baptism means immersion. Baptism was celebrated in that manner in the early Church and Jesus himself was immersed in the waters of Jordan. Baptism by pouring of the water on the forehead of the child is another option, which has been in use in the Catholic Church for many centuries as well. Parents who are undecided about immersion or the pouring of the water are advised to wait until after the Parent Meeting to make their decision.
