Holy Sacrament of Baptism

Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. ( Matthew 28:19)

The sacrament of Baptism is the foundation of, and the initial step into, the Christian life. It is the first of the seven sacraments of the Catholic Church. Along with the sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist, it makes up the sacraments of Christian Initiation.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches that the word baptism comes from the Greek baptizein, which means to "plunge" or "immerse" into water. Through the sacrament of Baptism we are freed from original sin, reborn as a child of God, become members of Christ, and are incorporated into the family of the Catholic Church. ( CCC 1213)

Baptism of Infants
Infant baptisms (up to 5 years of age) are celebrated by appointment only ( except during Lent and Advent when no baptisms are held). Baptisms can occur during a regularly scheduled Mass but are normally held on Saturdays. Both parents are required to attend a Baptism Preparation Class and meet with the Pastor before the baptism can be scheduled. God parents are also required to attend the Baptism Preparation Class.

Special Note: If you are having your child baptized at another parish, you are still welcome to attend our class. After you have attended the class, you will be provided with written verification that you have attended, which you can then present to the church where the baptism will take place.

Godparents
Godparents (sponsors) must be practicing Catholics. We encourage you to ask the godparents to assume more than an honorary role. The godparents should be persons who will remain active in the child’s life and be living examples of faith for the child as he/she grows in faith. The role of a godparent is to help you in raising your child in the Catholic faith as representatives of the faith community. Your child may have no more than two legal godparents. (Any others will be considered a Christian witness and they will not be a formal part of the ceremony or listed on the baptismal certificate). Godparents must be at least 18 years of age and both must be practicing Catholics. If you are having your child baptized at our parish, we encourage both godparents to attend a baptism class, although it is not necessary. They can attend the one we offer here at Sacred Heart or at a parish of their choice. (Written verification of class attendance will need to be turned in with the other baptism paperwork.)
Special Note:  If you have been asked to be a godparent of a child being baptized at another parish, you are welcome to attend our class.  At the class, we will provide written verification that you have attended.

Baptism Preparation Class
Both parents and god parents must attend a Baptism Preparation Class prior to a child's baptism. Parent's must also attend a private interview with the Pastor. Please call the parish office to set up an appointment prior to attending the baptism class and to pick up an information packet. (Only Infants in arms are allowed in the class. Please do not bring older children).

Baptism of Adults and Children of Catechetical Age
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) offers classes for adults into full communion with the Catholic Church through the receipt of the sacraments of Christian Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist). To learn more about receiving the sacrament of Baptism as an adult, visit the RCIA page.
 
Children ages 6 years and older must be enrolled in our Faith Formation program in order to receive the Sacrament of Baptism. Please see our Faith Formation link for more information or contact the parish office.