Baptism

Baptism

                        1.         Requirements

A.  Parents and Godparents must take a class [$20.00 per couple]

–  Spanish classes are offered on the first Thursday of each month at 7 PM in the Church

–  English classes are offered as needed and set up by contacting the office

–   If classes are taken at another parish, must furnish proof of class via certificate or  letter,  whichever    the parish                                                 normally provides [all forms are acceptable]. The classes must be from the Roman Catholic tradition.

B.   Parents should register the child with the office on which Sunday they want the celebration. Baptisms are celebrated on the

4th weekend of each month at each Mass where there are children to be baptized.  Any exceptions must be cleared with the Pastor.

–  At registration, parents should furnish a copy of the birth certificate of the child  to be baptized.

C.  Godparent Requirements

–  Must have received the Sacraments of Initiation [Baptism, Eucharist, and Confirmation]

–  Must be regular practicing members by attending Mass on a regular basis on Weekends, Holy Days of Obligation, and regular Confession

– If married, must be married by the Church or civil marriages must be blessed by the Church [Must have approval of pastor if validation in process]

– Must be at least 18 years of age and be able to form a spiritual relationship with the person to be baptized

– Cannot be the parent or the spouse of the one to be baptized

– Must sign a Diocesan Covenant Form to be kept on file at the office

D.  Age Requirement

–  Generally baptism should be celebrated within the first month or two of birth of  the child.

– If in danger of death, a child may be baptized at the hospital on an emergency basis with rites supplied later. For this procedure, time is of the essence.

– Contact parish or nearest parish to hospital and explain situation, ask for any deacon or priest to baptize.

– If a priest or deacon is not available, any Catholic minister is second choice including Eucharistic Ministers, Lectors, Catechists, etc.   It is valid if the person pours water over the head of the baby with the formula, “I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.” If the name is known, insert the name.

– Record the name of the person baptizing, name of child, date of baptism, names of godparent(s) and the name of proxy who stood in for godparents if they were not available at emergency baptism, and the location (hospital, home, etc.). Contact the office with this information. This will be noted in baptismal register and a certificate issued.

– If a priest is available, he may anoint the child after the baptism even if the baptism was performed by a lay person.

– Upon recovery of the child, the normal procedures may be followed to supply the rites. When following normal procedure, inform the office staff and teachers of class that this is a case of emergency baptism.

– Adult Baptisms should be handled through the RCIA process. For these, follow the directives of the RCIA program.

– Children over the age of 7 must be baptized, receive First Eucharist, and Confirmation in the same ceremony. These should follow the procedures for RCIA adapted for children. This will run through the Religious Education Program of the Parish unless otherwise determined by the pastor.

2. Celebrations

A. Baptism is normally celebrated within the context of the normal Sunday liturgy on the 4th Weekend of the month. Any exceptions require the approval of the pastor

B. English Baptisms: 5:00 PM Mass on Saturday; 9:00 AM Mass on Sunday Spanish Baptisms: 7 AM or 11 AM Mass on Sunday

C. If Baptism is to be celebrated in another Parish, must have approval of the Pastor and class requirements still stand. Classes may be attended at another parish.

3. Stipends for Baptism

A. It is customary to give a stipend or a monetary gift to the cleric performing the ceremony. This is not covered by the class cost which is normally given to the teacher for gas reimbursement as well as time and materials since our deacons do not receive a salary.

B. A recommended stipend is normally within the range of $25.00 but more or less may be given at the discretion of the parent and/or godparent. Lack of ability to pay should not deter anyone from having their child baptized nor should it cause embarrassment. A baptism should never be deferred due to lack of finances although, for other reasons, it may be deferred.