Through the Sacrament of Baptism, the newly baptized becomes a child of God, is cleansed of Original Sin, is marked for Christ, and enters into the greater Church community. Baptism is your child’s first sacrament, opening the gateway to all other sacraments.
During the Rite of Baptism, parents promise to raise their child in the faith, to teach him/her to keep God’s commandments, and to show him/her how to love God and neighbor. Baptism is the beginning of a lifelong journey of growing in faith and building a relationship with Jesus. Parents are the child’s first catechists (teachers of the faith) and will be the ones to first pray with the child. Godparents make a similar promise, to assist the parents in this duty.
The Church community is here to further help you and your child as they journey through life, to know Jesus, to be prepared for and receive sacraments throughout his/her life.
Steps to preparing for your child’s Baptism:
- Parents attend a Baptism Preparation Class. If you have attended this class in person within the last three years, you are not required to attend again, though you may if you wish. Class is offered on select Sundays, roughly 6 times a year. They are held in the Msgr. Page Library in the Life Center from 10:30AM-12:00PM. It is ideal if both parents attend the class, but we understand if circumstances make it so that only one parent may attend. Children are welcome to attend with you. Please bring something to keep them entertained for the class. Parents may attend class before or after the birth of their child.
- Parents select Sponsors. You must select at least one and no more than two. If you select two, one must be female and the other male. At least one must meet the requirements of Godparent (over the age of 16, fully initiated Catholic (baptized, received the Eucharist, and been confirmed), single or if married must be married in the church by a priest or deacon, and an active, participating member of his/her parish). The second Sponsor may also meet the requirements of Godparent, or may be a Christian Witness if they are a baptized Christian but do not meet the Godparent requirements.If the Godparent(s) attend church somewhere other than Holy Name of Jesus, they will need to fill out a Godparent Eligibility Form and have it signed by their parish priest.
- Complete Baptism Registration Form.
- Provide a copy of the child’s birth certificate.
- Meet with Baptism Coordinator.
***All paperwork must be submitted no later than two weeks prior to the Baptism date.
Policies and Procedures
- Parents generally have their children baptized in the parish where they themselves are registered, participating members.
- In the case of separation or divorce, a notarized letter is required from the other parent, consenting to the Baptism.
- Baptisms are not celebrated during Lent, Easter, 1st Holy Communion Day, Confirmation Day, Christmas, or Divine Mercy Sunday.
- Baptisms are celebrated after the 12:15 Noon Mass on the second and last Sundays of each month. The Rite of Baptism consists of pouring holy water on the head while pronouncing the invocation of the Most Holy Trinity: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. (immersion is available - but must be requested and approved by the Pastor).
- Baptisms for infants can also be celebrated within the Mass if parents are married and practicing members of the Church.
- The Baptism of older children (7 years of age or older), teens, or adults follows the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA).
For further information and any questions, please contact Meghan Marano, 321-773-2783, email.
FAQ
- Why select Sponsors/Godparents? As Catholics, we select Godparents for our children to assist us in raising our children in the faith. Godparents must be practicing Catholics so that they can be a witness of the faith, a role model of how to lead a Sacramental life, and help the child grow in understanding of the Church’s teachings.
- What is a Christian Witness? Members of other Christian churches may serve as a Christian Witness as long as there is also one eligible Godparent.
- I am not married in the Catholic Church. Can I have my child baptized? Parents do not need to be married in the Catholic Church to have their child baptized. If you are interested in getting married in the church or having your civil marriage convalidated (made valid) in the church, we would be happy to help with that process.
- Can I have a private Baptism? Scheduling a private Baptism is not the norm. Through Baptism, the child becomes a child of God and is welcomed into the family of the Church. Baptisms are typically scheduled the second and last Sundays of the month, following the 12:15PM Mass, or during a Sunday Mass.