The Sacrament of Baptism

To Baptize: A Parent’s Decision

There is something beautiful about a beginning. Even before a baby is born, the whole family is at work preparing. There must be a crib and clothing. If there are older children in the family, they too must be prepared for the arrival of their new brother or sister. There is a name to be chosen and serious considerations of new routines. You want to be sure that everything is ready for the new life that will come to your family.

You realize the responsibility you have of raising your child. This infant will be totally dependent upon you for food, for language, for early education. The child will learn and grow by example. The responsibility is great, but you accept it in love: the first great act of love for our child.

You will be the source of the child’s notions of right and wrong, of how it feels to be loved and to love. “How, how peaceful!” you have heard said of a tiny baby. And it’s true: innocent and peaceful, still untouched by a world not always so innocent and peaceful. You realize that children will be affected for better or worse by the world into which they are born. And you wish you could somehow spare your child from the tension, greed and hatred that are part of the world.

At baptism, with the support of godparents and of the whole church, your child enters a community of people living to overcome the greed and hatred that are part of our humanity. This community lives its life set against our sinful directions, against “original sin” itself. At the celebration of baptism, you pledge yourselves to rearing this child in a way of Christ and against the sinful inclinations of humanity.

The decision to have your baby baptized must come only after serious reflection. Why? Because baptism does not end once the liturgy is over. Nor is baptism something which pertains to the child alone: you are involved.

Bringing your child to the baptismal font expresses your commitment to raise the child in the Christian faith. This faith needs to be awakened, strengthened and developed as the child matures. To present your child for baptism is to accept responsibility for the growth of that faith expressed when the Christian church baptizes.

Parents who ask that their child be baptized into Christ have the most significant part to play in the passing on the Christian life to their offspring. It is through them that the child will come to know the love of God. It is through them that the child will learn to be beyond the family circle and become involved in the larger community in which he/she lives. Through the parents, the child will acquire an awareness of being a living and active member of the church.

Christian parents do not force their faith upon a child but lovingly profess their own belief in one Lord. Parents should baptize their child not because it is the custom, but because they sincerely desire the Christian life for the child. Parents who value their own faith and baptism will want to share the life of Christ they have inherited. Later, the child’s faith will be based on what he/she has learned and experienced in the home and community from the very first days of life.

Because the responsibility of Christian parents is such a serious one, and often difficult, it is very understandable that they should invite family and friends to assist in the responsibility of raising a child in the Christian life. It is the godparents who most explicitly assumes the responsibility with the parents and will be ready to help the parents raise their child in the knowledge of the Lord.

At What Age Should Baptism Occur?

It is the first of three sacraments of initiation.

In the Catholic tradition, infants (and young children) receive the sacrament of baptism to celebrate their entrance into the faith community. Parents vow to take on the responsibility of raising their child in the Catholic Faith. Parents and godparents gather with family and the Catholic Community to formalize their acceptance of this long-term commitment.

Older children and adults may receive the sacrament of baptism at the Easter Vigil by entering a faith formation process of discernment and conversion. At St. Joseph Catholic Community, this RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation) process is called Footsteps.

There is no “wrong” time to baptize.

Regarding Godparents:

What is the Role of Godparents?

Who do you choose as a godparent?

• Catholic Christian relatives or friends who serve as a Christian role model for your child.

• Someone who gives witness to God in their everyday lives.

• Someone who is willing to maintain a long-term relationship with your child.

• Someone you would entrust with the raising of your child in faith.

• A proxy for the ceremony may be chosen if the godparent cannot attend.

What are the Requirements of Canon Law?

• One sponsor, male or female, is sufficient; but there may be two, one of each sex.

• The sponsor must be a Catholic who has received all three sacraments of Christian initiation, at least 16 years of age, and must moreover live 'a life of faith which befits the role to be undertaken'.

• If you feel your special circumstances require additional godparents, you can name additional Christian witnesses, but only 2 godparents are included on the Baptism Certificate.

Overview of Baptism Preparation Session

Couples who are expecting their first child or who are new to the parish are expected to attend a preparation process well in advance of their baptism. This is scheduled through the worship office, Contact 559-659-2225. Both parents should schedule time to attend this session.

The Baptism Preparation session is held on the first and third Wednesday at 6:30pm in the parish hall. Please come early to check-in. Topics include theology of baptism and sin, symbols of Baptism, the role of godparents, and an overview of the Baptism Ceremony.

Lay minister couples are trained to facilitate a faith discussion in this small Christian community centered on raising their children in the faith. Couples are supported and encouraged to explore their faith journey and entertain the commitment of their child’s baptism.