SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM/BAPTISM PREPARATION
Mission and About:
Baptism is a time of great joy and celebration for parents, family members and our entire parish family. It is the first sacrament of initiation, the beginning of a lifelong journey in knowing, loving and serving Jesus in the midst of the Church. Our journey always begins with an invitation, a call from God through the Christian community to live the gospel as committed disciples of Christ and members of the Church. Baptism is the outpouring of God's Holy Spirit and our acceptance of that transforming love.
Godparents' Information:
Godparents serve a special role for one to be baptized and should be chosen carefully and with concern for the spiritual life of the one being baptized. Only one godparent is necessary, although both a godfather and godmother are preferred. According to Church law it is not permitted to have either two males or two females as godparents. Church law insists that the godparent be at least 16 years old, fully initiated in the Catholic Church (having received Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation). They must be a registered member of a parish and attend Mass regularly. Sponsor certificates are required from the Church of the godparents before they can accept the privilege of being a godparent. The certificate must be mailed or brought to the Parish Center at least two weeks before the date of the Baptism.
In the course of reviewing and evaluating parish programs, we are in the process of revising our Baptismal Preparation Program so as to better welcome children and parents into our parish and to deepen their faith formation and sense of community. Beginning in September we will offer formation sessions in September, November, March and May. Parents should contact the pastor at 267-6644 to begin the planning process at least six months in advance so as to allow plenty of time to participate in these sessions before their child is born.