BAPTISM

THE GATEWAY TO LIFE

The Gateway to all Sacraments

 7 Sacraments:

   * Baptism

      Confirmation

      Eucharist

      Marriage

      Reconciliation

      Holy Orders

      Anointing of the Sick

The Sacramental Principle:

* Through the visible and tangible

   we encounter the invisible God.

   We enter into the Mystery of Life.

Baptism affects the recipient in 4 ways:

     1.     Free of Original Sin and Personal Sins.

     2.     Transforms us into New Creatures

               adopted Children of God”

               sharer of divine Life:

               Temple of The Holy Spirit.

     3.     Makes us members of the Body of Christ.

               Incorporates us into the Church.

     4.   Seals us with an indelible spiritual Mark –

           we belong to Christ.

Signs and Symbols of Baptism:

    1.      Sign of the Cross – The sign of our Christian Faith.

    2.      Water –

               a.  Cleansing of Sin.

               b.  Dying and Rising in Christ.

               c.   Sign of life – Life of Risen Christ.

    3.     Oils

               a.  Oil of Salvation –

                    Symbolizes Strength in preparation for the road ahead.

               b.  Chrism – Sweet Smelling oil.

                    Placed on the crown of the head.

                    Sign of sealing with the Holy Spirit.

    4.     White Garment – Innocence

            A new creation in Christ.

    5.     Candles – Symbolizes Christ –

            The Light of the World.

             Easter Candle – Sign of the risen Christ.  

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BAPTISM AND GODPARENTS

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Can a member of my family who is not Catholic but a Christian be a godparent?

       A godparent or sponsor is required by Canon Law to be a fully initiated Catholic in good

      standing (This means that have received Baptism, Holy Communion and Confirmation. 

      If they are married, they must have a marriage recognized by the Catholic Church.) 

      A non-Catholic, then cannot serve as a godparent in a Catholic baptism. A Christian may

      serve as a Christian witness. 

      A godparent is asked to promise to help the parents of the child to raise the child in the

      Catholic faith. 

How old does a godparent need to be?

     A godparent is required to have completed his/her sixteenth year of age except for a

     just cause.

Can a family member who is not Christian be a witness?

      No, the Church requires for Baptism that a witness be Christian.  Non-Christians are

      welcome to attend a celebration of the Sacrament; however, the Church makes no

      demands on their conscience to participate in a Rite which may be contrary to their 

      beliefs. 

Can a married family member who is Catholic but did not marry in the Church be a godparent?

       Unless the marriage is otherwise recognized as valid by the Church, this person cannot serve

       as a godparent. This person may very well be a good person in many ways, but the marital

       situation needs to be reconciled before they fulfill the role of godparent.   

Can I have my child baptized if my spouse or parent is not Catholic?

      Yes, only one parent needs to have received the Sacrament of Baptism. 

      The other parent must agree to have the child baptized. 

Do I have to be married in the Church to have my child baptized?

     No, however; we would invite those who have not received this sacrament to talk to Fr. Dave

     or Deacon Al for more information on how to celebrate this sacrament.

Do I have to be confirmed to have my child baptized?

    No, however, we would invite anyone who is an adult and has not been confirmed to enroll

    in our Adult Confirmation course.

Can I have more than two godparents or sponsors?

    No, however, we would invite your entire family to be involved in the upbringing of your child

    in the Catholic faith.  Different family and cultural traditions are important to raising your children

    in the faith and are encouraged by the Church. 

     If you have any other questions concerning the celebration of baptism,

     please contact Fr. Dave or Deacon Al.