Baptism
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.” Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) 1213
Welcome family and congratulations! The Sacrament of Baptism is more than just a blessing for the child. It is a lifetime commitment on behalf of the parents and godparents to form and raise the child in the Catholic faith. It is the beginning of a constant relationship with the Church of Christ where parents and godparents will ensure that the child will learn and receive the Holy Sacraments.
General Policy for Infant Baptisms at Our Lady of Guadalupe Roman Catholic Parish
Parents seeking baptism should have at least a three-month history as registered and actively participating members of the parish prior to the Baptism. If registered in another parish and the grandparents of the infant to be baptized are registered parishioners of Our Lady of Guadalupe, the parents must have a letter of permission from the pastor of their home parish. Parents are responsible for handling the baptism process of their child.
Infant baptism process is for children newborn to age 6.
If you have a child to be baptized who has reached catechetical age/the age of reason (Grade 2 or 7 years of age), you and they will receive different preparation. Having sufficient understanding, the preparation will then be for the full complement of the Sacraments of Initiation, i.e., Baptism, Confirmation, and First Eucharist.
The Process of Baptism at Our Lady of Guadalupe Roman Catholic Parish
Date and time for the baptism will be confirmed when the parents and godparents have completed the formal baptism class and turned in the required paperwork. The baptism coordinator will review and verify before a date and time can be established for the baptism. Baptism Form and Sponsor/Godparent Form are to be picked up in the parish office.
Baptism class is available in English or Spanish. Contact Marina Martinez mmartinez@olog-qc.org for upcoming baptism class date/time and to register.
Ceremonial procedures
For the Baptism Rite, it is necessary to have the child dressed in a white baptismal garment. A baptismal candle can be purchased, or we can provide one.
Baptism is the welcome into the Church community; therefore, a baptism can have multiple families participating.
Baptism typically take place on the third Saturday of the month.
The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world. He is the one of whom I said, ‘A man is coming after me who ranks ahead of me because he existed before me.’ I did not know him, but the reason why I came baptizing with water was that he might be made known to Israel.” John testified further, saying, “I saw the Spirit come down like a dove from the sky and remain upon him. I did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water told me, ‘On whomever you see the Spirit come down and remain, he is the one who will baptize with the holy Spirit.’ Now I have seen and testified that he is the Son of God.”
By accepting to be a godparent, you are committing to the role of a faithful Christian in the life of the child, sharing the faith and encouraging the child in their Catholic journey.
The role of the godparent is to help their godchild lead a Christian life. Traditionally, the godparents are the ones who ensure that their godchild is given a Christian upbringing if the parents are no longer able to fulfill that responsibility.
Godparents are required to attend a formal baptismal class either at Our Lady of Guadalupe or at their home parish. A Sponsor/Godparent form must be filled out by the godparents and signed by the pastor and/or the pastor’s delegate stating that they are practicing Catholics and do meet the requirements listed just below this paragraph. Note: The form must be received, with their parish’s seal, and reviewed by the baptism coordinator before a Baptism date can be scheduled.
Godparents need to provide copies of certificates of sacraments along with the sponsor form (certificate of Baptism, First Communion, Confirmation, and Matrimony)
Godparents must meet the following requirements:
FROM THE CODE OF CANON LAW: Godparent/Sponsor for the Sacrament of Baptism and/or Confirmation must be Catholics over sixteen years of age, who have been confirmed and have received the Sacrament of Eucharist. They must be free from canonical penalty and must lead a life in harmony with the Catholic Faith in keeping with the function to be undertaken. (Canon Law 872-874, & 893).
- sincerely believes and strives to put into practice the Word of God as taught by the Catholic Church;
- prayerfully assists each Sunday mass and Holy Days of Obligation; and
- if married, person was married with the requirements of the Catholic Church. Not be bound by any canonical penalty legitimately imposed or declared; -Catholics who are married by the Justice of the Peace, at another Christian church, and those cohabitating DO NOT meet the requirements of this role, therefore are not able to act as godparent/sponsor.
- If single, he/she must be living according to the Church teaching. (If unmarried, divorced, or separated, must not be cohabitating)
If you have questions or need clarification on the baptismal process and requirements, please contact Marina Martinez at mmartinez@olog-qc.org.
“Baptism is birth into the new life in Christ. In accordance with the Lord's will, it is necessary for salvation, as is the Church herself, which we enter by Baptism.”
