Baptism

The role of a godparent is to help “the baptized person to lead a Christian life in keeping with Baptism and to fulfill faithfully the obligations” of being a Christian (Code of Canon Law c. 872). 

Because godparents have this important role to play in their godchildren’s lives, each

godparent must be –

1. 16 years of age or older,

2. A Catholic who has been baptized and received the Sacraments of Confirmation and First Eucharist,

3. Practicing the Catholic faith, including weekly attendance at Sunday Mass (except in cases of illness or other legitimate reason).

4. If married, married in the Catholic Church 

(Code of Canon Law c. 874).

Each candidate for baptism must have at least one godparent. Although we encourage parents to surround their children with as many persons as possible who will provide good role models of Catholic Christian living, there can be only one or two official godparents.

If there are two godparents, one must be a godfather and one a godmother (not two godfathers or two godmothers) (Code of Canon Law c. 873).

For more information on the role of the godparents, visit "The What, Why and How of Godparents" | Catholic Answers

Both parents and godparents are required to attend a Baptism preparation class (which will be scheduled at the time of registration). 

The Baptism preparation class is a great opportunity for parents and godparents to learn about the Baptism liturgy, the responsibilities of the parents and godparents for the spiritual care of their children and godchildren, and to ask any further questions. 

We hope you will arrange for a babysitter so that you can participate fully in the class. 

Because the role of the godparents is to support the parents in nurturing the child in the Catholic Christian faith, the parents and godparents should ordinarily attend the Baptism preparation class together. 

If one of the parents or godparents will not be able to attend the Baptism preparation class along with the others (for example, because a godparent lives far away in a different city or state), parents should discuss with the Parish Office how that person can complete the Baptism preparation class requirement in some other way.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church states "The meaning and grace of the sacrament of Baptism are clearly seen in the rites of its celebration" (CCC 1234). 

A white garment and baptismal candle should be prepared in advance of the Baptism as symbols of the reality that takes place during the rite of celebration.

White Garment. You should bring your child to the church on the day of the Baptism already dressed in a white garment. 

"The white garment symbolizes that the person baptized has 'put on Christ' (Galatians 3:27), has risen with Christ" (CCC 1243).

White garments can take many forms, from ornate, flowing baptismal gowns to ordinary white dresses and suits – it is a matter of personal taste what type of white garment you choose for your child. 

In any case, we recommend that you keep your child’s white garment as a remembrance of his or her Baptism. Although parents sometimes like to have a separate bib-like garment for their child to wear after he or she is baptized, it is not necessary – the white clothes the child is already wearing will serve the symbolic purpose of the white garment.

Please be aware that toward the beginning of the baptismal rite, your child’s chest will be anointed with the Oil of Catechumens; thus, it will be helpful if the garment can be loosened around the child’s throat to provide the priest or deacon access to his or her chest area.

Baptismal Candle. Each child receives a baptismal candle lit from the paschal candle (Easter candle) during the ceremony (a godparent holds the candle on behalf of the child). 

This baptismal candle symbolizes that in Baptism, your child will be enlightened by Christ and become a light for the world (CCC 1243).

Many parents like to choose and purchase their own baptismal candle at one of the Catholic gift shops or through one of the Catholic supply companies on the internet. The godparents may also give the baptismal candle to the child as part of their involvement. The parish will provide baptismal candles for those who do not bring their own.

To read more about the Baptismal liturgy, visit The mystagogy of the celebration | CCC 1234 - 1245

On the day of the Baptism, parents and godparents should arrive at the church at least 30 minutes prior to the baptismal liturgy to check in and receive further instructions from the Baptism coordinator. 

The Baptism coordinator also will be glad to show any members of your party who want to take photographs or videotape the baptismal liturgy where they may stand to do so (generally on either side of the church, in the side aisles or transepts, never in the center aisle or the sanctuary). 

Although we allow flash photography, we ask those taking photographs to be reverent and respectful of the liturgy and prayer. Video cameras may be used but without extra lights.

Anyone who becomes obtrusive or disruptive as they take photographs or videos will be instructed to stop doing so. Further disruption may lead to that person being prohibited altogether from taking further photos or videos.

Following the baptismal liturgy, the Baptism coordinator will give you the baptismal certificate for your child. Our parish staff will record your child’s Baptism in our parish baptismal records.