The baptism of your child is a very important event in his/her life. Baptism is the first of the three sacraments that initiate us into the Catholic Church. First Eucharist and Confirmation are the other Sacraments of Initiation. The universal law of the Catholic Church called the Code of Canon Law sets the requirements for receiving baptism. The requirements are listed below.
Parents Parents of a child to be baptized are to be properly instructed in the meaning and obligations of baptism (Canon 851). It is necessary that there be a founded hope that the child will be brought up in the Catholic religion (Canon 868). Catholic parents should: Regularly attend Sunday Mass Receive the sacraments as necessary Put the Catholic faith into practice in daily life
If the parents have not been married in the Catholic Church, the child may still be baptized, and we are available to help the parents go through the process of having the marriage blessed, should they so decide (Canon 1108 states that Catholics are to be married in the Catholic Church for the marriage to be recognized). If parents are not registered at Mary, Star of the Sea but wish to baptize here, there must be a family connection at the parish, and parents must provide a letter from their own pastor giving permission to baptize at our parish. If parents are not registered parishioners at any parish, we welcome them to join Mary, Star of the Sea and will baptize the child after three months of active participation in the parish. Choosing Godparents (Sponsors) Godparents are to assist the Catholic parents, primarily by example, in raising a child in the Catholic faith. One is necessary; two are permitted. The godparents must: Be at least 16 years old Be a baptized Catholic who has also received First Eucharist and Confirmation* Actively practice the Catholic faith If married, have been married in the Catholic Church
*At least one of the godparents must be Catholic. The other, if not Catholic, must be a baptized Christian who actively practices his/her faith and may stand with the Catholic godparent as a Christian witness. Scheduling the Baptism Parents who have not taken a baptismal class in the last three years and godparents must take a baptismal class before scheduling the baptism. The Baptismal Seminar at Mary, Star of the Sea takes place on the second Monday of each month at 7:00 pm. The class may be taken at any parish, however, as long as a certificate of completion is provided to Mary, Star of the Sea. After completing the Baptismal Seminar, please call the parish office to schedule an interview with our pastor. At that time, the baptism will be scheduled firmly. Baptisms are held on the second and fourth Sundays of each month at 1:15 pm, after our Noon Mass, and usually more than one family is celebrating. The Church requires anyone over the age of seven years of age to join the RCIA. There is an RCIA for children and teens. Adult Baptism involves the RCIA Process. |
