The Sacrament of Baptism

Guidelines for parents and guardians at Chris Our Light.

To schedule a baptism,

please read this pamphlet;

then, call the office, 298 5350.

 
Parents and Guardians
It is only the parent(s) or legal guardian who can request the baptism of a child under the age of reason.

The person(s) requesting baptism of an infant
needs to have been an active member
of Christ Our Light for at least
six months prior to the baptism.

Active membership is described in a publication from the parish pastoral councils.

Briefly, the guidelines are

(1) completion of a parish census form;

(2) regular attendance at Sunday worship; and

(3) evidence of financial support of the parish.

If the person requesting baptism was until recently a member of another parish, he or she will need a letter attesting to active membership from his or her previous pastor.

 
Sponsors or Godparents and the Faith Community

The Catechism states: For the grace of Baptism to unfold, the parent’s help is important. So too is the role of godfather and godmother, who must be firm believers, able and ready to help the newly baptized on the road of Christian life. They and the whole church community bear some responsibility for the development and safeguarding of the grace given at Baptism. (1255)

For those reasons at least one sponsor (godparent) will be a practicing, baptized Catholic.

This may be someone from Christ Our Light, who like the parents, fulfills the definition of membership - registration, regular worship,
parish support.

Or this may be someone from another parish
who has obtained from his or her pastor a document called a sponsor certificate.

 
Scheduling Baptisms

Baptisms at Christ Our Light take place during Sunday Liturgy with the faith community present. Except for grave and serious reasons, baptisms are not celebrated during Lent.

Since children are born and raised within the context of a particular community, the community, like the parents, looks forward to the healthy birth and joyful baptism of the children of its members.

Please call the parish offices, 298 5350, when you are ready to schedule a baptism.

 
Stipends for Baptism

Although it is customary to offer a stipend to the person who officiates, it is not required.

If the family wishes to extend this gesture of gratitude, it can be made within the context of personal financial ability.

 
Some remarks about infant baptism from the
Catechism of the Catholic Church.

Born with a fallen human nature and tainted by original sin, children have the need of the new birth in Baptism to be freed from the power of darkness and brought into the realm of the freedom of the children of God. (1250)

Christian parents will recognize that this practice also accords with their role as nurturers of the life that God has entrusted to them. (1251)

Baptism is the sacrament of faith.
And faith needs the community of believers.
Baptisms at Christ Our Light are celebrated during the Sunday Liturgy with the community of believers present.

Baptism is a serious, life-long commitment, passing on the faith from caring and church-going parents to an as yet fully faith-formed child.

 

            

                One in a series of guidelines for the members
                of Christ Our Light Catholic Community