BORN ANEW IN BAPTISM

The Catechism of the Catholic Church states "Holy Baptism is the basis of the whole Chirstian life, the gateway to life in the Spirit, and the door which gives access to the other sacraments." #1213
 

Congratulations on the birth of your child!  If you are new to the Church, welcome to a faith-filled community that eagerly anticipates your communion with the Church.  We celebrate with you the birth of your child and hope to assisst you in the raising of your child in the practice of the Catholic faith.

Baptism Preparation Class

We require all parents to attend a Sacramental Preparation Class. Once you have contacted the rectory to plan for the baptism of your child, we will let you know the date of the Baptism Preparation Class. 

Godparents

At least one godparent is required.  There may be two, but they must be one man and one woman.

“For the grace of Baptism to unfold, the parents’ help is important. So too is the role of the godfather and godmother, who must be firm believers, able and ready to help the newly baptized – child or adult – on the road of the Christian life. Their task is a truly ecclesial function (officium). The whole ecclesial community bears some responsibility for the development and safeguarding of the grace given at Baptism.” (Catechism of the Catholic Church 1255)

Most people have a false understanding of what a godparent truly is. I am sure you have heard it said, that if anything happens to the parents, the godparents will raise the child. But is that what being a godparent is all about? No, in fact, the role of the godparent is to be much more than someone to take care of the children if something happens. In fact, that may not even be their role.

So what is a godparent? A godparent is to be a witness, an inspiration, a rock-solid example of what it means to be a Roman Catholic in today’s world. That means that the person must be a Catholic not only in name but by the life they lead each and every day.

Most people do not know the Church’s requirements for a person who is to undertake the role of godmother or godfather. In the Code of Canon Law, a book with the laws that govern and guide the life of the Catholic Church, there are specific regulations regarding sponsors (godparents) for the Sacrament of Baptism and Confirmation.

The requirements for godparents are:

• be not less than sixteen years of age.
• be a Catholic who has received the Sacraments of First Holy Communion and Confirmation.
• be registered and active members of their parish.
• be living in conformity with Catholic morals and in good standing with the Catholic Church (if married, married according to the laws of the Church).
• may not be the mother or father of the person to be baptized.
• finally, they must obtain a Sponsor Certificate, attesting to their fulfilling the stated requirements, from the parish in which they are a registered member.

Before asking someone to take on the role of a sponsor, please be sure they fulfill the requirements of the Church. This will save the person from embarrassment and the family from being disappointed. The Priest has a responsibility before God and in justice to be sure these requirements are fulfilled!

Please contact Bill Bowden our Pastoral Assistant at 401-231-5120 to inquire about this Sacrament.  Again, congratulations to your entire family!