The Sacrament of Baptism

Some Theology.

The sacrament in which, by pouring water upon a person or immersing him in water, and using the words, “I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit,” the one baptized is cleansed of original sin and (in the case of one who has reached the age of reason) of all sin. He or she is incorporated into Christ and made a member of His Body, Church; he is infused with sanctifying grace and receives the theological virtues of faith, hope and charity and the gifts of the Holy Spirit; and this enables him to receive the other sacraments effectively. The minister of Baptism is ordinarily a bishop, priest or deacon, but in an emergency anyone can baptize validly. There is evidence from the third century that adults changed their names in honor of the Apostles or Old Testament figures when they were baptized. Some parents give their children names of martyrs or Christian virtues at Baptism, although a Christian name was not mandatory until the fourteenth century. The current baptismal rite no longer requires a saint’s name, although it forbids any name obviously anti-Christian. Pastors shall encourage the faithful to choose Christian names for their patron saints. II.

Baptismal Sponsors. Only a practicing Catholic may act as a baptismal sponsor. The minister of Baptism, unless he knows by personal knowledge that the sponsor is qualified, shall require a testimonial letter from the pastor of the sponsor. To act as a sponsor a person must: a.) Be designated by the one baptized, the parent, guardian, pastor or minister. b.) Be one of two persons. There must be two sponsors for a Baptism – one male and one female. One of the Godparents must be a regular member of the Catholic Church, in good standing, the other, a Christian. Remember that should anything happen to the parents in the future; the Godparents are to insure that their Godchild is brought up practicing the Faith. c.) Be at least 16 years of age, unless the pastor or minister judges otherwise for just cause. d.) Lead a life in harmony with the faith and the role to be undertaken. e.) Have received all three sacraments of initiation – Baptism, Holy Eucharist and Confirmation. f.) Be canonically free to carry out this office. g.) Not be the father or mother of the one to be baptized. An excommunicated Catholic may not act as a sponsor. At the request of the parents and in accordance with ecumenical guidelines, a believing Christian may act as a Christian witness together with a Catholic Godparent. NOTE: A Catholic, if requested, may act as a Christian witness (sponsor) at a non-Catholic baptism.

A Proxy. A baptismal sponsor may act through proxy. Proof that the sponsor is qualified and willing to accept the office and obligation and that he has chosen or agreed to the proxy shall be established by competent witnesses or documents. The proxy must have the same qualifications as the sponsor, and the names of both must be recorded. The Parish Program. As soon as practical after birth or any time before birth, parents should call the Church office (743-2707) to arrange a date for the Baptism.

FIRST TIME PARENTSare required to attend a pre-Baptism class before the baptism of their child. Pre-Baptism classes are held every FIRST SUNDAY of each month at 1 o’clock, p.m., in Saint Peter’s School. You must pre-register with the rectory and is for first time parents only.  Regular Baptisms are scheduled every first and third Sunday of the month at 1 p.m. Paperwork It is important to complete baptismal forms in sufficient time for your child’s Baptism. This is usually done during your initial visit to the Church Office. Ensuring accuracy will permit good record making. Thank you.

Fees. There are no fees for Baptisms.