How is Baptism celebrated?

 

Contacting the parish

 

Because sufficient time is needed to prepare parents to undertake the duties of raising a child in the faith, parents must contact the parish pastoral minister, at 724-838-9480, approximately two months prior to their baby’s due date. Although families do not need to set the date of Baptism this early, the parish staff will begin to assist with necessary preparations before the birth of the child. The date of Baptism should be fixed at least one month in advance of the desired date.

 

Naming the child

 

Traditionally, Catholic children are given a saint’s name. This is an outward sign that links the child to the communion of saints. Church law does not require that a child be given a saint’s name. It does, however, forbid a name that is offensive to Christians, our beliefs or way of life.

 

Parent preparation

 

In order that parents and the parish community might celebrate fully, careful planning and thoughtful preparation is needed. First-time parents and those who last had a child baptized five or more years ago are expected to participate in infant Baptism preparation sessions scheduled by the parish pastoral minister. The sessions include discussion about the meaning of Baptism, the signs and symbols used in the Rite of Baptism, and conversation about the responsibilities of parents and godparents in teaching the faith. Both parents are expected to attend. We ask that godparents attend when possible. 

 

Godparents

 

Parents are assisted in their preparation and in raising their child in the faith by godparents. During the Rite of Baptism, godparents promise to help the parents in their duty as Christian parents. Because of this special relationship, parents should consider seriously the persons they ask to be godparents, remembering that their primary role is in relationship to the parents. Godparents should be chosen because they are willing and able to assist in the faith formation of the child not simply because of familial or social relationships. 

 

Each child may have a godfather and a godmother. Church law requires that there be at least one godparent but two are chosen in most cases. 

 

The following are requirements for this important role. The individual must be:

 

V  An active, regularly participating member of a Catholic parish.

V  A fully initiated Roman Catholic (having received Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist).

V  At least 16 years of age.

V  In good standing with the church.

 

If there are two godparents, one must be male, the other female, and both must meet the requirements listed above. All godparents who are not active members of Our Lady of Grace Parish are required to provide a sponsor form of eligibility from the parish in which they are registered and participate.

 

Christian witness

 

The church also provides for an active member of another Christian church to stand as witness to the Baptism when only one godparent is chosen. A person who has been baptized a Catholic but joined another denomination or faith may not be selected either as a godparent or a Christian witness. The Christian witness plays an active and important role in supporting parents as they teach their child the Christian way of life. 

 

The Christian witness should understand the role of godparent and be able to fill a similar role in his or her church. All Christian witnesses are required to provide a letter of eligibility from the church in which they are registered and participate.

 

The parish community

 

To bring out the paschal character of Baptism, it is recommended that the sacrament be celebrated during the Easter Vigil or on Sunday when the church commemorates the Lord’s resurrection. 

 

Baptisms may be celebrated during regularly scheduled Sunday Masses where the parish community is well represented by the gathered assembly. This is an important sign that Baptism, like all sacraments, belongs to the whole church and that the parents and child can expect the support and care of  the parish community. 

 

A priest of the parish will normally preside at the liturgy and baptize those children who will become members of the parish.