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FAQ: What
are the requirements for infant baptism?
Through Baptism, God enables us to participate in his life in Jesus Christ and makes us his children. It is through this sacrament that we receive the Holy Spirit and become members of the People of God, of the Body of Christ, which is the Church. Baptism becomes our commitment to grow in this new life and to strive to acquire spiritual maturity. By baptism, God purifies us from sin. Baptism is the sacrament of faith which has the Risen Christ as its source, and it is the offer of salvation for all people. Intimately linked to Confirmation and to Eucharist, Baptism is, with these two sacraments, Christian Initiation. The child is baptized in the faith of their parents, godparents and of the Church. (see Catechism of the Catholic Church 1213, 1263, 1265, 1267-1270; Code of Canon Law, c. 842, 849) |
For a child to be baptized in the Catholic Church, there must be a basis for hope that the child will be raised in the Catholic faith. In practice, this generally means that at least one parent is Catholic. Like many dioceses in the United States, our Diocese requires parents to participate in Baptism preparation before the baptism of their children. We offer Baptism classes here at Holy Family. Each child brought forward for baptism must also have at least one godparent who is a confirmed, practicing Catholic age 16 or older.
At what age are children usually baptized? There is no age limit, but infants are generally baptized between three and six months old. Children who are 7 years old or older must participte in the RCIC classes to prepare them for baptism.
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What
about single, unmarried parents & parents not married in the church?
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What
are the requirements for godparents?
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What are the requirements for godparents?
When a parent chooses you as a Baptismal Sponsor (Godparent) that means you are thought of as a very special Catholic. Being called to be a Godparent is not merely a choice because of family ties or a reward of friendship. The call to be a sponsor bears the responsibility of giving spiritual witness to your Godchild of how to live out the Catholic faith in everyday life. By being faithful to God’s law, being active in the life of your parish, participating in Mass weekly, and living Gospel values, you offer tremendous personal support to the parents who commit themselves in Baptism to faithfully passing on the Catholic faith to their child.
The laws of the Catholic Church offer these qualities of a valid sponsor:
When will we receive the baptism certificate?
After the baptism, we will present you with a baptism certificate with the parents' names. If your child ever needs a copy of their baptism certificate later, perhaps for school registration or for marriage, you can contact the parish office. However, it is a very good idea to keep the certificate with your important papers and records so that you always have it when needed.
Is there a fee?
No fee is required, but if you're able to we suggest at $100 registration donation. These generous donations help fund the baptism preparation program and supplies involved. If you would like to make an offering you may bring it to the baptism or mail or drop it off in the parish office.
What happens during baptism classes?
Our baptism classes are designed to help you reflect spiritually on being new parents and recognize that baptism is the beginning of a lifelong commitment. We will discuss the theology of the sacrament of baptism, as well as practical aspects of the ceremony itself. It is a great way to meet other parents in the parish and to answer any questions you may have.
What should the baby wear for the baptism?
A white garment is an ancient sign of the newly baptized Christian's new life in Christ. Your child's baptismal garment need not be a traditional baptismal or christening gown; it can be any clothing that is mainly white. Department stores such as Macy's and Kohl's sell traditional baptismal gowns.
When a parent chooses you as a Baptismal Sponsor (Godparent) that means you are thought of as a very special Catholic. Being called to be a Godparent is not merely a choice because of family ties or a reward of friendship. The call to be a sponsor bears the responsibility of giving spiritual witness to your Godchild of how to live out the Catholic faith in everyday life. By being faithful to God’s law, being active in the life of your parish, participating in Mass weekly, and living Gospel values, you offer tremendous personal support to the parents who commit themselves in Baptism to faithfully passing on the Catholic faith to their child.
The laws of the Catholic Church offer these qualities of a valid sponsor:
- There may be ONE or TWO godparents. When there are TWO godparents, one is male (godfather) and the other female (godmother).
- Must be mature enough to undertake this respectability.
- Must be fully initiated, having received the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist
- Must be a member of the Catholic Church, canonically free to carry out this office. [This would indicate that Catholics living in an invalid marriage (not according to Church regulations) and those who are cohabiting (living together without marriage) are ineligible.]
- Must know the fundamental truths of the faith, be a practicing Catholic who attends Sunday Mass and receives the sacraments regularly, and sees to the religious instruction of his/her family.
- Must not be the mother or father of the one to be baptized or confirmed. The sponsor, with the parents, presents the child for the sacrament and helps him/her live a life befitting a baptized Catholic Christian.
When will we receive the baptism certificate?
After the baptism, we will present you with a baptism certificate with the parents' names. If your child ever needs a copy of their baptism certificate later, perhaps for school registration or for marriage, you can contact the parish office. However, it is a very good idea to keep the certificate with your important papers and records so that you always have it when needed.
Is there a fee?
No fee is required, but if you're able to we suggest at $100 registration donation. These generous donations help fund the baptism preparation program and supplies involved. If you would like to make an offering you may bring it to the baptism or mail or drop it off in the parish office.
What happens during baptism classes?
Our baptism classes are designed to help you reflect spiritually on being new parents and recognize that baptism is the beginning of a lifelong commitment. We will discuss the theology of the sacrament of baptism, as well as practical aspects of the ceremony itself. It is a great way to meet other parents in the parish and to answer any questions you may have.
What should the baby wear for the baptism?
A white garment is an ancient sign of the newly baptized Christian's new life in Christ. Your child's baptismal garment need not be a traditional baptismal or christening gown; it can be any clothing that is mainly white. Department stores such as Macy's and Kohl's sell traditional baptismal gowns.
