Sacrament of Baptism
The Sacrament of Baptism is the beginning of the life of a child in the community of faith. Baptisms are celebrated on Sundays or on Saturday evenings in the presence of the community at Mass and require preparation. Parents are asked to first contact Father Craddock at the parish office (724-9190) well in advance of the date desired for the Baptism and are to preregister with their godparents for one class by calling Steve Kilmartin at 725-5654.
Policy for Baptism
Registration for a Baptism must be done by the parent(s) of the child in person. We do not accept applications over the phone. We currently require that the baby's parents be registered active members of our parish. In addition, we require the parents and Godparents to attend our Baptismal Formal Process. The process consists of a 2 hour class and the celebration of the Rite. It is not necessary to wait until the birth of a baby to register for and attend the sessions. At least on of the child's parents must be a baptized and practicing Catholic. It is not required that the parents be married in the church, although a future Church marriage is suggested to give a good example of Christian life to the child. The Godparents must be baptized and confirmed practicing Catholics who are over the age of 16. Both parents and Godparents are obliged to participated in a baptismal preparation class before the Baptism is to take place.This is to ensure that those involved know something of the meaning of the Sacrament of Baptism. The baptismal session consists of a discussion regarding faith in the Catholic church, the Creed, the Sacraments and the symbols that are used during the Rite of Baptism, such as the holy oils of anointing, the water, the candle, etc. It is possible for the parents or Godparents to attend a class in a place other than Holy Family. In this event a letter or other document from this parish stating that the parents or Godparents have attended their preparation class must be provided to us.
Baptismal Sponsor Covenant
As a Baptismal Sponsor (Godparent), your role is to encourage the faith of this child throughout their lives, be an "example" to them and to reflect to the candidate the meaning of life as a practicing member of the Catholic church. The Code of Canon Law (Church Law) specifies the requirements for serving as a sponsor as the following:
You may not be the parent of the person being Baptized, you must be at least 16 years of age, you must be fully initiated (Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist), if married, be in a valid Catholic marriage and live a life of active faith in the Catholic Church.
for those who are outside of the parish a Sponsorship Form is geven to you to be filled out by you and taken to your pastor who will fill out the second part of the form. It simply states: I understand the requirements of being a Baptismal Sponsor, I have received the Sacrament of Baptism, I have reveived the Sacrament of Confirmation; if married, I have celebrated the Sacrament of Marriage; I am an active member of tmy Church, I regularly attend Mass on Satuday or Snday, and I strive to live out my faith daily.
The sponsorship forms, the registration form of the parish and the registration form for Baptism must be in before we schedule a date for the Baptism.