Baptism

Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.
Mt 28:19-28

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

Baptism is the foundational sacrament of Christian life and for membership in God’s Church. In Baptism, a person receives the Holy Spirit and is an anointed new Christian with a threefold ministry as priest, prophet, and king. Baptism is the first of three sacraments of initiation.  All of which lead to a more abundant catholic life.  As good parents you care for the physical and emotional needs of your child, and as Christian parents you will care for the spiritual needs of your son or daughter by presenting your child for Baptism.

As a parent you are your child’s first teacher.  Begin to pray with your child, even before baptism.

Heavenly Father,
In your love you have called us to know you, led us to trust you, and bound our life with yours. Surround this child with your love, protect it from evil. Fill it with the holy spirit and receive it into the family of your church, that it may walk with us in the way of Christ, and grow in the knowledge of your love.

Baptism at St. Bernadette Parish

PREPARING FOR AN INFANT BAPTISM

If you are looking for Baptism for your child, we are happy that God has blessed your family with new life, and are honored that you would like us to introduce them to the Christian life!

Please contact us at the Parish office to learn more about scheduling and general baptismal requirements!

  • Must be good examples and sources of support for both the child and the parents and be fully initiated members of the Catholic Church.
  • Must be confirmed and at least 16 years old.
  • Must be actively living their faith, attend Mass and confession regularly.
  • Only one Catholic godparent is required.

Does it make a difference who you choose to be your children’s Godparents? YES!

In the Rite for Baptism you will be asked:

Parent: “You have asked to have your child baptized. In doing so you are accepting the responsibility of training him (her) in the practice of the faith. It will be your duty to bring him (her) up to keep God’s commandments as Christ taught us, by loving God and your neighbor. Do you clearly understand what you are undertaking?

Godparent / sponsor: Are you ready to help the parents of this child in their duty as Christian parents?

Can the person you are asking to be your child’s godparent live up to the expectation expressed during the baptism? Do they share your enthusiasm for Christ and Faith? Are they someone you can share your faith with and talk with regarding your church/Mass experiences? Can they support you and your child as they grow in a relationship with God? Is their faith a priority?

Does the person you are asking to be your child’s godparent attend Mass regularly, do they have a prayer life, do the practice the sacraments of the catholic faith or are they on a journey to become closer to God? The Catechism of the Catholic Church states, “for the grace of Baptism to unfold, the parents’ help is important. So too is the role of the godfather and godmother, who must be firm believers, able and ready to help the newly baptized. (CCC 1255) It is your role as a parent to select a godparent that will assist in bringing the child to be baptized into a life that seeks to know God and understand the abundant life God has in store for them.

Is a best friend, brother, sister, aunt, uncle, close acquaintance at work the person who can fulfill this responsibility? We encourage you to pray for guidance as you consider godparents. Any prayer is a good prayer but below is a prayer to get you started:

Lord God,

Thank you for the gift of our child.
We pray that you will guide us in selecting godparents for our child.

Give us your wisdom and love so that we may select godparents that will support our child in their faith journey.

Help us choose someone who will be a good example of Christian living and openly expresses their faith.

We ask this for ourselves but also for (child’s name). Amen

 

An article on how to chose the best godparents for your child
An article on how to chose the best godparents for your child
An article on how to chose the best godparents for your child

Please print and fill out the forms below and bring them to your appointment with Parish staff, or email the forms to stbernparish@gmail.com

Baptismal Info Form

PREPARING FOR NON INFANT BAPTISM

If you are seeking Baptism for yourself or a family member, please call or e-mail us to schedule an appointment to start you on your Christian Journey. We also invite you to explore our Becoming Catholic web page for more information or visit the Learn section

Becoming CatholicContact!

LEARN MORE

Baptism is the first of the seven sacraments Jesus Christ gave us during his life.
Baptism is the chief sacrament of forgiveness of sins because it unites us with Christ.  
Baptism is the “door” which gives access to the other sacraments of the Catholic Faith.
More about Baptism
Learn more about baptism from acclaimed author and theologian Bishop Robert Barron. Francis Cardinal George describes Bishop Barron as “one of the Church’s best messengers.” 

Questions about Baptism?

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Deacon Hal Goldwire

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