Baptism

baptism1Baptism is the beginning of our life of faith, the beginning of getting to know and understand what being loved by God means.  Baptism is God’s token to us of his great love.  Our faith carries us forward to the Sacraments, but when we are babies it is the faith of our parents which brings us to the Sacrament of Baptism.

Infant Baptism

Baptisms are scheduled by contacting the Parish Office.  The baptism can be celebrated during Mass or at a convenient time, usually on a Saturday at 3.00 pm. In most instances, parent preparation is given prior to the baptism.

For a Registration Forms for Infant Baptism please contact the Parish Office.

A word about choosing

…Godparents

Each infant or young child who is to be baptized must have at least one godparent.  Customarily, an infant or a young child who is baptized has both a godmother and a godfather.  Church Law (Canon 873) specifies that “Only one male or one female…or one of each sex is to be employed” for this ministry.  The parents of the child to be baptized are prohibited from fulfilling the role of godparent for their own child.  Canon 874 specifies that a godparent must be at least sixteen years of age; must be a Catholic who is confirmed and has received First Communion; a person who lives a life in harmony with the Catholic faith and intends to carry out the role of godparent.

….Non-Catholics and Non-Christians

Regarding the question of a non-Catholic Christian serving in this capacity:  By definition, a “godparent” is a Catholic as described above. According to Canon 874, “a baptized person who belongs to a non-Catholic community may not be admitted except as a witness to baptism and together with a Catholic [godparent].”  A non-baptized person (for example, a person of the Jewish or Islamic faith) is not permitted to serve even as a witness.  This prohibition does not disrespect the faith of non-Christians; rather, it emphasizes the primary role of the godparent: to be a person who will give the child clear example of faithful Catholic values and living.