It is a joy for St. John’s parish to join you in preparation as your child journeys toward full sacramental initiation into our parish community which begins with the sacrament of Baptism. It is the desire and hope of our Church that all are welcomed into the family of God in the most meaningful manner.
Baptism is the door to life and to the kingdom of God. It is the Sacrament of choosing and accepting the Christian way of life, of being inserted into the Catholic Church through our parish and faith community, of obtaining forgiveness of sins, of being raised to the dignity of adopted children of God which makes us sharers in God’s life.
Baptism is not a private but rather a public act. It is a public affirmation of your faith and a public declaration that you have freely chosen for your child this way of life, this church, this faith tradition. At Baptism, you are committing your child to Christ in, through and with the Church. For this reason, it is recommended that the Sacrament of Baptism be celebrated in our parish at a Sunday Mass.
To have your infant baptized means that your child receives the gifts of faith, hope and charity, initiation into the faith community, the removal of original sin and the priceless gift of God’s eternal life as a Christian. That’s a loving gift you offer your child, along with everything else you do as caring, nurturing parents.
Holy Baptism holds a special place among the sacraments, because it is a gift from God. It is the basis of the whole Christian life, the gateway to life in the Spirit, and the door which gives access to the other deeper way, to live more fully with him. It is held in highest honor by all
Christians.
PARENTAL RESPONSIBILITIES
To have your child baptized, you must be able and willing to exercise these responsibilities:
· To share your personal faith practice with your child.
· To nurture your child’s faith growth through his/her participation in structured education and formation (Catholic Schools/parish religious education programs and other youth programs.)
GODPARENTS: ROLE AND ELIGIBILITY
· Godparents must be sixteen years of age or older, be a practicing and fully initiated member of the Catholic faith (received the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist) and who continues to witness to that faith in the great and small ways of everyday living.
· There is to be only one male or one female godparent or one of each.
· Only one godparent is required for baptism. It is possible to invite a person baptized in another Christian tradition to be a witness at the child’s baptism, along with the Catholic godparent.
SCHEDULING THE PREPARATION FOR BAPTISM
Because Baptism is initiation into the Catholic Christian community, the parents need to have a formal connection to that community.
It is necessary that parents of the child to be baptized be or become a registered member of St. John’s Parish: at least one parent must be a baptized Catholic and actively participating weekly in the Saturday/Sunday Eucharistic Celebration-Mass.
· Parents must call the parish office at 864-2272 to arrange an appointment for the next available Baptismal Preparation Seminar. Both parents and godparents are required to attend.
· If the godparents are not active members of the parish or live out of town, a letter from their home parish is required stating that they are practicing Catholics and understand their obligations as godparents.
· It is possible for parents and godparents to participate in the preparation program prior to the birth of the child.
· Baptism is celebrated upon completion of the requirements and on the date agreed upon by the Pastor or presiding Pastor and the parents.
· Please remember that a suitable baptismal garment, preferably a white garment, is required for the baptismal ceremony in church.
SUGGESTIONS
· Plan a celebration at home for all those who attend the baptism, e.g., cake and coffee.
· If you have other children, take time before the ceremony to explain what will happen.
· Photographs/video cameras may be taken during the celebration provided it is done in a non-disruptive manner.
You, the parents are the first and most important teachers of your children in matters of faith. In order for the effects of baptism to flourish you must be vigilant in keeping your child’s faith alive and growing throughout his/her life. This is a profound decision you make, to live the faith, to model it for your child and to nurture your child as he/she grows in Faith.
MAY YOUR CHILD’S BAPTISM BE A
JOYOUS EVENT!!