Infant Baptism

Baptism is the first step in our initiation into the mystery of Christ’s death and resurrection. It incorporates us into a community of faith-the Body of Christ, the Church.

Baptism celebrates the faith that transforms the lives of the parents and of the community, a faith that is shared by word and example with the newly baptized infant. Parents must understand clearly the Christian meaning of Baptism, and must choose freely to celebrate the sacrament as being a time of growth in their own relationship with God and the Christian community. St. Benedict Catholic Church congratulates you on the birth of your child. We ask that Parents be a registered member of the parish for at least three months before requesting the sacrament of baptism.

The next step is the baptismal interview. During this meeting, parents will reflect on the meaning of baptism. Do we take seriously the promises made in the baptism liturgy? How are we living our lives as good Catholic Christians and how can we improve? We are then able to arrange a date for preparation and baptism.

Baptisms are scheduled at the time of the interview.

Preparation

• Parents are required to attend a baptismal preparation class. Godparents are strongly encouraged to attend a class, as well.

Godparents

For Baptism, one godparent is all that is necessary. However, the people’s tradition is to have two godparents; one of which must be at least sixteen years old, fully initiated,(having received Baptism, Confirmation and Communion) and a practicing Catholic. If married it must be a sacramental marriage. If two godparents are chosen it is recommended that one be male and one female.  Please consider carefully who you choose to be your child’s godparents. We ask that the godparent/s bring a letter of good standing from their parish and/or attend the baptism sessions with the parents.

The responsibility of the godparents is to walk with the parents and the child through their faith journey, maintain a close relationship with the child and perhaps commemorate the anniversary of their Baptism with a card or small gift.