Thank you so much for looking into the Sacrament of Baptism! Through this Sacrament, a person is eternally changed by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit and becomes a son or daughter of the Most High God, part of Jesus Christ’s body the Church!
If you are an adult interested in this Sacrament for yourself, please take a look at our page on the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults, give us a call at the parish office, or speak with our pastor or deacon.
If you are a parent interested in these Sacraments for your child, please read below for a quick overview…
Baptism for children who have reached the “age of reason” (seven years or older)
Baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life, the gateway to the 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. (as stated in the Catechism of the Catholic Church). For children seven years or older who have not received Baptism, please take a look at our Order of Christian Initiation page…
Baptism of infants and children under six years of age (below the age of reason):
The sheer gratuitousness of the grace of salvation is particularly manifest in infant Baptism. The Church and the parents would deny a child the priceless grace of becoming a child of God were they not to confer Baptism shortly after birth. Christian parents will recognize that this practice also accords with their role as nurturers of the life that God has entrusted to them. (CCC #1250 & 1251)
By virtue of the commitment you will make at your child’s Baptism you are officially a member of the faith formation team here at our parish! When you present your child(ren) for Baptism, you make a promise to God and the whole church that you will educate your children in the faith.
From the Rite of Baptism:
Celebrant: In asking Baptism for your child, you are undertaking the responsibility of raising him (her) in the faith, so that keeping God’s commandments, he (she) may love the Lord and his (her) neighbor as Christ has taught us. Do you understand this responsibility?Parents: We do.
As parents, you are the irreplaceable first teachers, and most important Catechists for your child!
Baptismal Sponsors (Godparents)
The Church was founded by Jesus Christ and is committed to helping you in this task. You are not alone!
For the grace of Baptism to unfold, the parents’ help is important. So too is the role of the godfather and godmother, who must be firm believers, able and ready to help the newly baptized – child or adult on the road of Christian life. Their task is a truly ecclesial function (officium). The whole ecclesial community bears some responsibility for the development and safeguarding of the grace given at Baptism. (CCC #1255)
- Vision of a Sponsor—The role of the sponsor is to serve as mentor to an adult or a child in how to live the Catholic faith. The one who is to be baptized is an apprentice in the Catholic faith and learns what it means to be an active and faithful Catholic from his or her sponsor. (Code of Canon Law, Canon 872).
- Qualifications of Sponsors (Code of Canon Law, Canon 873)
- At least one sponsor/godparent is required, but if there are two sponsors/godparents, one must be a male and the other female.
- Must be designated by the one to be baptized, by his or her parents or guardians, or, in their absence, by the pastor or minister and is to have the qualifications and intention of performing this role;
- Be at least 16 years of age
- Be a Catholic who has been fully initiated into the Catholic faith, that is, receiving the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist
- Lives a life according to the values of the Catholic Church and is able to assume the responsibilities of being a sponsor/godparent
- Parents of the one who is to be baptized cannot be his or her sponsor
- A baptized person who belongs to another Christian denomination may not be sponsor, but together with a Catholic sponsor, can serve as a Christian witness to the baptism.
Pre-Baptismal Formation For Parents
For couples requesting Baptism for their first child, our parish has a group of families who facilitate a Faith Formation session prior to the Baptism. The purpose of this session is to offer an overview of the Sacrament of Baptism, the eligibility requirements and role of Godparents, and offer advice on how to live the faith in our modern times. The sessions are offered once a month or as needed and rotate teaching monthly.
To Help You Plan Your Child’s Baptism
Below are some points to help you in planning your baby’s Baptism…
- Baptisms take place immediately following the 8am Mass on Sunday. Baptisms are normally not scheduled during Lent.
- Parents and family with the godparents should ideally come to the 8:00AM Mass, but everyone needs to be ready to go immediately following the 8:00AM Mass. If family members need to have a specific time named, then 9:00AM would be it.
- The Baptisms offered at Saint Joseph the Worker parish are not strictly “private”. They are simply administered outside of the Mass. So there is a chance that more than one family may be involved in the Baptismal Rite following the Mass on a given day. Exclusively reserving the church for a guaranteed private Baptism is not available.
- Either the priest or deacon may perform the Baptism – specifically requesting one or the other is not available (the only exception being if a personal friendship is involved)
Please call the office to begin the conversation on scheduling your child’s Baptism… We look forward to hearing from you! God bless!