Welcome to St. Joseph’s Parish! Children of all ages are welcomed into the Christian life through the sacrament of baptism. You may be looking at having your first child baptized, or you may be welcoming a new addition to your growing family. In any case, congratulations as your family continues to grow!
For some basic information regarding baptism, below are some frequently asked questions:
What is Baptism?
Baptism is the first of the three sacraments of initiation (Baptism, Confirmation and the Eucharist), by which we become members of the Body of Christ—the Church. We are welcomed into both a particular faith community (a parish), and the global Catholic Church (which is universal).
The heart of the rite of baptism is when the priest (or deacon) either pours a small amount of water over the head of the person being baptized—or in the case of full-immersion, immerses them in water—and says: “I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.”
While they are certainly sacred signs, sacraments are more than merely signs of God’s love. In fact, the Catholic Church teaches that: “Celebrated worthily in faith, the sacraments confer the grace that they signify.” (CCC, § 1127) Baptism, therefore, is more than just symbolic. It actually effects what it signifies.
“Baptism incorporates us into Christ and forms us into God’s people. This first sacrament pardons all our sins, rescues us from darkness, and brings us to the dignity of adopted children (see Col 1:13, Rom. 8:15, Gal. 4:5), a new creation through water and the Holy Spirit. Hence we are called and are indeed the children of God.” (Christian Initiation General Introduction, § 2.)
Who can be Baptized?
“Every person not yet baptized and only such a person is able to be baptized.” (CCC §1246.) Baptism cannot be repeated, so anyone who has not been baptized is eligible to receive the sacrament of baptism.
Why do Catholics celebrate infant Baptism?
As the the Catechism of the Catholic Church puts it: “Holy Baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life, the gateway to life in the Spirit (vitae spiritulais), and the door which gives access to the other sacraments.” (CCC. § 1213)
Although infants and children under the age of reason are not yet capable of professing personal faith, from the earliest times the Church has seen it fit to baptize children in the “faith of the Church, a faith proclaimed for them by their parents and godparents…”(Rite of Baptism for Children, § 2) This faith is to be formed and fostered as the child grows, until they mature enough to embrace that faith for themselves.
What about Adult Baptism?
Adults seeking baptism—including children who have already reached the age of reason—are invited to join the process called the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults, which helps inform and foster their faith, enabling them to make a mature profession of faith for themselves.
What is Baptism Preparation?
Baptism preparation is not actually for the child being baptized, but for those making the profession of faith on their behalf: their parents and godparents. Typically held in-person, baptism preparation is a brief formation session which is an opportunity to connect with members of the parish and other parents preparing to have a child baptized, and explore both the logistics of the baptism itself and the basic tenants of the faith your child will be initiated into.
What are Godparents?
Godparents are representatives of the Christian community who are tasked with assisting the parents in fostering the faith of the newly baptized as they grow and mature in their understanding of the Christian faith.
While only one godparent is required, there can be up to two godparents, one of which must meet the following requirements:
- A fully-initiated, practicing Catholic: having received Baptism, Confirmation, and the Eucharist, who is actively practicing their faith (e.g. regularly attending Mass etc.).
- Is at least 16 years old.
- Cannot be one of the child’s parents.
Registration:
For more information or to register to have your child baptized, please contact frontdesk@st-josephs.ca