Baptism at Most Blessed Sacrament Parish

Those wishing to have their child baptized should contact Fr. Charlie to discuss the process.
Parents should be registered members of the parish.

Dear Parishioners:

Congratulations on the birth of your child! Such a wonder! Such joy! We rejoice with you and are glad that you will be calling us soon to request the Baptism of your child. Baptism is like a second birth for your child – a spiritual birth. At Baptism, God will give your child a share in His own Divine Life and your child will become the newest member of the Catholic Faith. Invite all the family and friends, your own godparents and the godparents of any of your older children, to come to participate in the Baptismal Celebration.

Requirements for Baptism: The requirements for having your child baptized are simple: that at least one of you is in fact a practicing Catholic, and that you as parents have the honest intention and ability to raise your child in the faith. It is the parents who have the primary responsibility of educating and forming their child in the Catholic faith. Children learn primarily by your example.

Godparents: For the Baptism, your child will require at least one Godparent. Traditionally, a man and a woman, often family members, are chosen. To be chosen Godparent is a special honour. The Godparent is entrusted with the responsibility of praying for your child and being a friend and a good example of Catholic faith to inspire your child. Therefore, the Godparent(s) must be Catholic, have received the sacraments of Baptism, Eucharist, and Confirmation, at least 16 years of age. They should attempt at being active members in the Catholic community. A non-Catholic cannot be a Godparent for a Catholic Baptism, but a baptized Christian may act as a Christian witness. They will take a similar role in the baptismal ceremony.

Preparation for the Baptism: Come to Mass regularly, and pray together for your family and for this child. Fr. Charlie will visit you, if possible, in your own home. Read / study the booklet about Baptism that you will be given. Prepare to celebrate the Baptism by inviting family and friends to join you for the occasion. Include your own god-parents in the invitation to this celebration, if possible.

Scheduling the Baptism: The actual date for the Baptism will be scheduled at the preparation meeting with Father Charlie. The Baptism can take place during the Sunday Masses or a ceremony outside of Mass.

Baptism Follow-up: At the Baptism, you will receive a simple certificate of Baptism. Members of the Parish’s “Legion of Mary” will call on you a few weeks after the Baptism, to offer their prayerful support, and to bring you a special certificate and medal, and offer to do with you the prayer of consecration to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Please welcome them into your home for those few minutes. We congratulate you on the miracle of the birth of your child and wish every blessing for you and your family.

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.” CCC 1213