FOR CHILDREN 0 TO 6 YEARS OLD

 

BAPTISMAL PREPARATION

Preparation in English and Spanish for parents and godparents (of those seeking baptism for children under age 7) is offered monthly on the second Saturday at 9:00 a.m. Please register prior to the class by contacting the parish office (please note that childcare is not provided).
 

SCHEDULING

The sacrament of Baptism is celebrated in a COMMUNAL celebration, every third Sunday of each month (except during Lent.)

• English: Sunday after the 10:00 AM Mass
• Spanish: Sunday after the 1:00 PM mass

Baptisms may also be celebrated during Mass the first weekend of the month at the 5:00 PM Saturday Mass, and 10:00 AM and 1:00PM Sundays Masses. These are subject to availability.

Please call the parish office for additional information.

GUIDELINES FOR SPONSORS / GODPARENTS

There is to be only one male sponsor or one female sponsor or one of each. Note: While a couple (male – female) may be admitted as sponsors (godparents, padrinos), if qualified, the regulations do not permit two males or two females. (Canon # 873-874)

To be permitted to take on the function of Godparent / Sponsor, a person must:

• Be designated by the one to be baptized, by the parents or the one who takes their place, or in their absence, by the pastor or minister, and have the aptitude and intention of fulfilling this function. Note: It is the parents’ responsibility to select a sponsor(s).
•  Minimum age is 16, although exceptions may be made by the pastor, given just pastoral reason. In general, choose someone over the age of 16.
•  Be a Catholic who has been confirmed and has already received the most holy sacrament of the Eucharist and who leads a life of faith in keeping with the function to be taken on.  A “life of faith,” while not defined, includes marriage within the church, a life free of public scandal, etc.
• Not be the father or the mother of the one to be baptized.

Christian Witnesses:  A baptized non-Catholic may be permitted to serve as a Christian witness, as long as a valid Catholic sponsor is also chosen.
(Canon #874.2)
 

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Holy Baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life, the gateway to life in the Spirit, and the door which gives access to the other sacraments. Through Baptism we are freed from sin and reborn as children of God; we become members of Christ, are incorporated into the Church, and made sharers in her mission: Baptism is the sacrament of regeneration through water in the Word.

Catechism of the Catholic Church 1213