What is the Sacrament of Baptism?
The Catechism of the Catholic Church states:
1213 Holy Baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life, the gateway to life in the Spirit (vitae spiritualis ianua), and the door which gives access to the other sacraments. Through Baptism we are freed from sin and reborn as sons of God; we become members of Christ, are incorporated into the Church and made sharers in her mission: “Baptism is the sacrament of regeneration through water in the word.”
Congratulations on your new child!
We are so excited for you and look forward to supporting you as your raise your child in the faith.
Baptism for Infants and Children under the Age of Seven
If you are preparing for your child’s Baptism, we are honored to walk with your family during this joyful step in the Catholic faith.
Parents having their first child baptized are asked to attend one Baptism preparation class before scheduling the sacrament. Once that class has been completed, you may contact the parish office to schedule your child’s Baptism. Parents who have already attended a Baptism preparation class do not need to repeat it for future children.
Baptisms are celebrated every weekend at Saint Francis of Assisi, with available times at 4:00 p.m. on Saturdays and after the 1:00 p.m. Sunday Mass.
To begin the process, please visit the parish office to complete a Baptism Registration Form. After your form is submitted, a volunteer from the parish will contact you to arrange a date for the Baptism preparation class, if one is needed. After the class is completed, you may call the parish office to schedule the Baptism.
Registered parishioners are also welcome to reserve the parish hall for a Baptism reception. Priests are happy to attend these celebrations and kindly ask for a personal invitation from the family.
Godparents
Normally, a couple will choose two practicing Catholics as godparents. Godparents need to be sixteen years of age or older and have received First Communion and Confirmation. It is, however, sufficient to have at least one practicing Catholic as a godparent. While you are free to choose whomever you wish as godparents, it is important they be Catholics in good standing, which means, they attend Mass regularly, are in a blessed marriage (if married), and live an upright life. It is no longer necessary to have the godparents’ pastor verify that they are Catholics in good standing.
Learn More About Baptism
Don’t wait to meet with a priest to learn more about baptism. Go to FORMED and begin watching the Reborn program. This will begin your formation.
Church Law
Canon 868.2 requires “there be a founded hope that the infant will be bought up in the Catholic religion; if such a hope is altogether lacking, the baptism is to be put off according to the prescriptions of particular law and the parents are to be informed of the reason.” Obligations of Catholics include: participation in Mass each Sunday and Holy Days of Obligation; being married in the Church or taking steps to do so; receiving the sacrament of Holy Communion at least once a year during the Easter Season; using the sacrament of Reconciliation as needed; and, by providing an example of living the Ten Commandments and the Faith that they profess in having their child baptized.
Baptismal (Christian) Name
While it is not necessary to do so, it is a praiseworthy practice to have one of your child’s names be that of a Saint or derived from the name of a Saint. This Saint would be considered your child’s patron Saint.
Baptism for Children Over the Age of Seven
Children older than the age of seven normally receive Baptism (and First Communion) by attending the Order of Christian Initiation for Children (OCIC). These classes take place the same time as our Parish School of Religion (PSR). Children enrolled in OCIC receive Baptism (and First Communion) on Holy Saturday at the Easter Vigil in conjunction with adults.
Adult Baptism
Adults desiring to be baptized do so by attending the Order of Christian Initiation for Adults (OCIA). St. Francis of Assisi hosts two cycles of OCIA per year. The Winter OCIA, which is the traditional schedule, runs from September until the Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday.
Don’t wait for OCIA to learn more about the faith. Go to FORMED and begin watching the Symbolon program. This will begin your formation for Baptism.