Baptism

Baptism

SACRAMENTS

Christ instituted the sacraments of the new law. There are seven: Baptism, Confirmation (or Chrismation), the Eucharist, Penance, the Anointing of the Sick, Holy Orders and Matrimony. The seven sacraments touch all the stages and all the important moments of Christian life:1 they give birth and increase, healing and mission to the Christian's life of faith. There is thus a certain resemblance between the stages of natural life and the stages of the spiritual life. (CCC 1210)

 

THE SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM

(ALONG WITH FIRST COMMUNION AND CONFIRMATION, THE BAPTISM IS ONE OF THE SACRAMENTS OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION)

 

The Holy Baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life, the gateway to life in the Spirit (vitae spiritualis ianua),4 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."5 (CCC 1213)

Baptism is God's most beautiful and magnificent gift. . . .We call it a gift, grace, anointing, enlightenment, the garment of immortality, bath of rebirth, seal, and most precious gift. It is called gift because it is conferred on those who bring nothing of their own; grace since it is given even to the guilty; Baptism because sin is buried in the water; anointing for it is priestly and royal as are those who are anointed; enlightenment because it radiates light; clothing since it veils our shame; bath because it washes, and seal as it is our guard and the sign of God's Lordship.10

 

WHO CAN RECEIVE BAPTISM?

"Every person not yet baptized and only such a person is able to be baptized." (CCC 1246)

The Rite of Baptism is celebrated each month at Maria Reina de la Paz Parish. We require that at least one parent be a registered parishioner and attend Mass here on a regular basis. Raising your child in the parish community is an important aspect of living and teaching the faith. You can register to be a member of the parish by accessing https://mrpct.org/onlineregistration. As of May 1, 2019, we have adopted a new process for Baptisms.

 

Baptism Application

 

The application process will only be valid if the online registration has been completed at (https://mrpct.org/baptism-application). The form should be fully completed with a copy of the child's official birth certificate attached, and if the godparents are single, a copy of their confirmation certificate is required, and if they are married, a copy of the marriage certificate issued by the Catholic Church.

 

Baptisms occur;

The Third Sundays of the month at 11:10 am.

Or

Any date approved by the Pastor (special circumstances)

 

Important Note:

Children over the age of 7 years old must attend Religious Education Classes before being baptized.

If an adult wishes to be baptized, please learn more about the process on the RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) page.

 

Mandatory Preparation Class

 It is strictly necessary for parents and godparents to attend a course the fourth Friday of the month prior to the baptismal date, but to participate, online registration is mandatory. Check the following link for the scheduled classes.

https://mrpct.org

 

During this session, a Catechist will prepare those involved for the ceremony as well as educate on church teaching about the sacrament. Due to the monthly frequency, we are unable to make any alternate arrangements to administer classes/baptisms.

 

Godparents

Godparents should be faithful people who are baptized and confirmed in the Catholic Church and have at least attained the age of sixteen. Church law requires that at least one godparent be a full member of the Catholic Church, practicing and attending Mass regularly. It is possible for the second godparent to be a member of another Christian Church. Our tradition is one godmother and one godfather. When choosing godparents, it is important to consider the responsibility of the role, namely, people who will support the parents in bringing this child up in the Catholic Faith and who will be a good role model for the child. The one preparation class is a requirement for godparents to attend. If a godparent resides out of state and is unable to attend the preparation class but will be present for the day of the baptism, the godparent may attend class in their home parish and provide supporting documentation to fulfill the requirement.

 

The Day of the Baptism

Please plan to arrive at least 15 minutes before the ceremony, which will begin after the 10:00 am Mass, promptly at 11:10 am. Details and symbolism of the ceremony are discussed during the preparation session. Cameras and videos are allowed. However, the people taking photographs are asked to be courteous and not obscure the view of others. Flash photography should be avoided during the ceremony. The priest will be available after the ceremony for additional pictures.

The sacrament is free. However, a donation is accepted.