Information for celebrating Baptism at Precious Blood Catholic Church

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Before celebrating Baptism, the church invites parents and Godparents to reflect on the full meaning and significance of presenting a child for initiation into the Body of Christ.

Baptism is one of the three Sacraments of Initiation.  Through the sacrament of Baptism, a child is initiated into the Body of Christ, the Church; shares in the new life of Jesus Christ; and, with the assistance of the Holy Spirit, embarks on a life-long journey in which he or she will grow and mature in the Catholic faith.

"Holy Baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life, the gateway to life in the Spirit (vitae spiritualis ianua), and the door which gives access to the other sacraments. Through Baptism we are freed from sin and reborn as sons 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)

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Baptism Schedule At Precious Blood:

1st Saturday: 10 AM Class in English
2nd Saturday: 10 AM Sacrament in English

3rd Saturday: 10 AM Class in Spanish
4th Saturday: 10 AM Sacrament in Spanish 

"Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life."

(Rom 6:3-4). 

 

 

Choosing Godparents

Being a Godparent is not just an honor given to a good friend or relative. It implies a real appreciation of the Faith, one which is shown by religious practice. There must be a sense of responsibility toward the person being Baptized. Baptism does not merely confer privileges. It creates an indelible mark on the soul which brings obligations. Baptism brings both the burden and the victory of the Cross into our lives. 

Most Catholics are baptized as infants, and so the parents and Godparents must profess the Catholic Faith on their behalf. If they are not practicing the Faith and living according to the Gospel, they cannot make the profession of Faith without swearing a false oath. It is expected that a person chosen to be a Godparent gives evidence that he/she believes what the Church teaches and gives witness to that Faith. 

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Requirements for Godparents

Canon Laws 774, 872, 873, 874, 892, 893, 920 and 989 require:
1. The Godparent must be a Catholic who has been confirmed, and has already received the Sacrament of the Most Holy Eucharist and leads a life in harmony with the Faith and the role as Godparent. A baptized Christian can participate by being a witness. 

2. Only one Godparent is required, but usually there is one Godmother and one Godfather. There cannot be two Godmothers or two Godfathers. 

3. The Godparent(s) may not be the father or mother of the one to be baptized. 

4. Godparents must be in their 16th year or more.

5. They must know the fundamental truths of the Faith and be practicing Catholics, who go to Mass on Sundays and Holy Days, and receive the Sacraments periodically. By Church precept, they must receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation at least once a year when conscious of serious sin and receive Communion during the Easter time.

 

 

Requirements

1. Register at Precious Blood.  During the early years of this journey, the child needs the help and guidance of his/her parents, so we encourage those seeking baptism for their children to become part of the parish community by being registered and spiritually active members of the parish. 

2. Attend Baptismal classes. Precious Blood Parish offers its support to parents and Godparents by providing a series of required baptismal classes.  These classes will give the parents and Godparents a chance to re-examine the meaning of their own Christian faith, to deepen their understanding of the sacrament and the celebration of the rite of Baptism, and to share prayer and formation with other members of the parish. 
Parents who are expecting the birth or adoption of a child are required to attend the preparation class, which will be offered every first Saturday of the month in English and every third Saturday of the month in Spanish.  For an English Baptism the godparents are strongly encouraged to attend the class and for a Spanish Baptism they are required to attend.  Both parents should attend the classes during the last trimester of pregnancy or within six months of the final adoption decree.  We ask that parents do not bring children to the class, so please plan on getting a babysitter for any other children.  Parents seeking baptism for older children must also attend the baptismal preparation classes.  In addition, children over six years of age will be prepared for their baptism through a series of special classes administered by the CCD office. 

3. Turn in Baptismal register form at least 1 month prior to Baptism. This form (link below) includes the basic information of the parents and child (date of birth may be filled in later), as well as the names and addresses of the Godparents. Parents should give prayerful consideration to their choice of Godparents. If the Godparent/s are not parishioners here, a letter from their pastor is required stating that they are a Catholic in good standing, have received Confirmation, and are eligible to be a Godparent. 

 

*Additionally, it is customary to provide the church with a donation, usually $50.

 

"Baptism is God's most beautiful and magnificent gift. . . .We call it gift, grace, anointing, enlightenment, garment of immortality, bath of rebirth, seal, and most precious gift. " - St. Gregory Of Nazianzus

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Please stop by the Rectory Office for more information and to complete the Baptismal Registration Form and the Sponsor Certificate for Baptism.