.png)
Baptism
Baptism is the sacrament of regeneration and initiation into the church that was begun by Jesus, who accepted baptism from St. John the Baptist and also ordered the Apostles to baptize in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19). Through Baptism, God enables us to participate in his life in Jesus Christ and makes us his children. It is through this sacrament that we receive the Holy Spirit and become members of the People of God, of the Body of Christ, which is the Church. Baptism becomes our commitment to grow in this new life and to strive to acquire spiritual maturity. By baptism, God purifies us from sin.
Baptism is the sacrament of faith which has the Risen Christ as its source, and it is the offer of salvation for all people. Intimately linked to Confirmation and to Eucharist, Baptism is, with these two sacraments, Christian Initiation. The child is baptized in the faith of their parents, godparents and of the Church.
Baptism is the sacrament of faith which has the Risen Christ as its source, and it is the offer of salvation for all people. Intimately linked to Confirmation and to Eucharist, Baptism is, with these two sacraments, Christian Initiation. The child is baptized in the faith of their parents, godparents and of the Church.
Baptism Registration
- Parents are responsible for bringing their child to the Sacrament of Baptism as soon after birth as possible. Families should be registered members of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church and should be regularly attending Sunday Mass for at least 3 months prior to the scheduled Baptism.
- Infant - Age 7: Baptisms for infants and children 7-years and younger typically take place the 2nd Sunday of each month at the 9:00 am Mass.
- Age 8 - 17: Preparation for children that have not been Baptized by age 7 will take place on an individual basis. Please contact our Coordinator of Religious Education, Emily Horine, for more information.
- Adults age 18 & up: Adults that have not been Baptized will participate in the traditional RCIA Program and will receive all Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation, & 1st Communion) at the Easter Vigil Mass. Visit the RCIA Program page for registration information.
Baptism Preparation
It is extremely important to take your faith-life seriously because, before God, you have taken on an awesome responsibility for the salvation of another—your own child! Your commitment and openness to baptismal preparation will help develop the faith-life of your child as they mature.
If this is your first child you are Baptizing, the Parents and Godparents will be required to attend a Baptismal Preparation Session. These sessions are typically scheduled on Sunday afternoons, and must be completed at least one week prior to the scheduled Baptism. We offer sessions in Spanish or English. Information for scheduling your Baptismal Preparation Session can be found on the Baptism Registration Form.
If this is your first child you are Baptizing, the Parents and Godparents will be required to attend a Baptismal Preparation Session. These sessions are typically scheduled on Sunday afternoons, and must be completed at least one week prior to the scheduled Baptism. We offer sessions in Spanish or English. Information for scheduling your Baptismal Preparation Session can be found on the Baptism Registration Form.
Godparents
- The day a child is baptized marks the beginning of the Godparent’s spiritual relationship with him or her. A Godparent should be someone who will nurture the child’s faith and help him or her become a true disciple of Christ and an active member of the Church.
- The church recognizes that EXAMPLE is the most powerful teacher. For this reason, the Church requires the following:
- A child may have 1 or 2 Godparents; if two are chosen, they must be male and female.
- A Godparent must be at least 16 years old.
- At least one Godparent must be an active member of a Catholic faith community, who worships regularly and participates in parish life, has received the Sacraments of Baptism and Confirmation, and regularly participates in the Eucharist.
- A baptized person who belongs to another Christian community may be admitted only as a “Christian witness” (not a Godparent), provided that there is at least one Roman Catholic Godparent who fulfills the above criteria. A non-baptized person cannot be a witness.
- If the Godparents are a couple, they must be married.
Preparing for My Child's Baptism Day
Baptismal Garment
Candidates for Baptism should dress in white. The white garment signifies that the child has become a new creation and has been clothed with Christ.
Candle
The baptismal candle is lit from the Easter Candle. The candle represents the risen Jesus, who is the light of the world (Jn 8:12). Jesus is the light that guides every baptized person. It also represents the flame of faith, which is to be kept burning brightly. Baptismal candles are traditionally provided by the Godparent(s), but the church will provide the Baptismal Candle upon request.
Seashell (Optional)
A seashell is sometimes used to cup and pour the water during baptism. The seashell is traditionally provided by the Godparent(s), though the church will provide an alternate cup as needed.
Gift Offering
- The Church does not, can not, and will not charge for sacraments or liturgical services. Parishioners seeking a sacrament often use these occasions to gift the church with an offering or the priest with a stipend. Although these gifts are given as an expression of support for the church or gratitude to the priest, they are not payments for sacraments received. Parishioners that wish to make a gift offering for their child’s baptism should keep the following in mind:
- Please prepare your gift offering ahead of time by placing it in an envelope with the name of the child who is baptized on the outside with the date of baptism.
- Please give it to the Priest after the Rite of Baptism.
- If the gift offering is a check, please make it out to St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church. This offering will be noted in the parishioner’s record of donations.
For more information on Youth Formation and Youth Sacraments, please contact: Jessica Sarver - Coordinator of Communications & Parish MinistriesEmail: communications@northclarkcountycatholic.org