Baptism - St Norbert College Parish

Transcription

1 Baptism - St Norbert College Parish Congratulations! It is our great joy and privilege that you are considering St Norbert College Parish for your child s baptism. A Catholic baptism at St. Norbert College Parish is a celebration of a new Christian in the world. The normative is that baptism is celebrated in a community of believers and with a community of believers. Therefore, when parents chose to have their child baptized at our parish we assume that they share the values and beliefs of the community. In the Sacrament of Catholic Baptism, you are making a commitment to raise your child in the Catholic faith which means active participation in a parish. All couples that are not current members of SNC Parish will need a letter of good standing from their current Parish. Church Requirements for Parents one parent must be a practicing Catholic someone who accepts and strives to live the teaching and commandments of Jesus and his Church who regularly participates in the worship of the Church. This means receiving the Sacraments regularly and supporting the parish both financially and through volunteering sharing time, talent and treasure. one or both parents must be registered member of a parish. Consider membership at SNC Parish. See details on our web. attendance at a Baptismal Preparation Class prior to first child s baptism. Non-Parishioners members of another Catholic parish wishing to have a baptism at St. Norbert College Parish must have a Letter of Delegation from pastor of parish you attend. This letter tells us that you are registered in that parish and are active members.

2 Church Requirements for Godparents A least 1 Godparent is required. a Godparent must be at least 16 years old and have received Baptism, First Communion and Confirmation this is a law of the Church with no exceptions. Godparents must be practicing the Catholic faith living a life consistent with faith and morals taught by the Roman Catholic Church; participating in the Sacraments. If 2 Godparents, they may not be of the same gender (so child has a male and female role model). There may be no more than two godparents on the baptismal certificate, however additional persons are considered witnesses. A non-catholic may witness a baptism as a Christian Witness (not a godparent). If you have a non-catholic for a witness you still need a Catholic godparent. Cost There is $25 fee that covers the cost of training materials and books that you will receive during the baptism preparation class. It is customary to offer the presider a stipend at your discretion.. Phone: (920) parish@snc.edu Further resources: Catholic Diocese of Green Bay - Presiders a Catholic priest or deacon that is in good standing within their diocese and home parish MEETINGS WITH BAPTISM PREPARATION TEAM Meeting. Considerations prior to scheduling a baptism during Mass. Our baptism norm is during the 1st Sunday of each month with preparation occurring at parish of membership. SNC Parish has prep 2 weeks prior. Questions; Are the parents members of SNC Parish? The answer sets up appropriate actions; if yes, we are asking that baptisms occur the 1st Sunday of the month.

3 If not members, then the child would not be raised within our church community, so having an exception baptism outside of Mass is something to think about. Baptism Prep Is this the parents first child? this answer determines if parents need to go through baptism prep training. what are the circumstances that we are requesting a baptism outside of the '1st Sunday of the month process? ' While we encourage baptisms during Mass, we made a commitment to our Liturgy and Worship team, and to our parish community that baptisms during Mass will be the 1st Sunday of each month. We will have exceptions, but want to understand the exceptions. If they are not members, that would mean the child is not going to be raised in our community and therefore the recommendation is that baptism would occur while we are having other membership baptisms (1st Sunday), or have the baptism outside of Mass

4 Membership Credo: R equirements for Marriage at St. Norbert College Parish. Baptisms are celebrated in accordance with the requirements set forth by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops and the Catholic Diocese of Green Bay. They include: Preparation / education of the Sacrament Welcome Introductions Baptism Preparation Opening Prayer : Heavenly Father, in your love you have called us to know you, led us to trust you, and bound our life to yours. Surround my/our child that we will present for Baptism with your love, and protect him/her from evil. Fill our child with the Holy Spirit, and receive him/her into the family of your church, that he/she may walk with us in the way of Christ, and grow in the knowledge of your love. Amen Purpose of class Objective: Educate and welcome couples that are preparing for the baptism of their first child. 1. Welcome parent(s) preparing for the baptism of their first child (not required for additional children) 2. Educate parents to; a. understand the meaning of Infant Baptism b. understand the role of parents and godparents in the upbringing of the child in the faith of the Catholic Church c. learn about the symbols and rituals of Baptism d. know what to expect on the day of Baptism Purpose of Baptism 1. It is a sacrament of initiation 2. It is rebirth in Christ whereby the individual accepts the salvation earned by Jesus 3. It is an entry point into Christian life and membership in the church Symbols of Baptism

5 Refer to pages of booklet, ( Your Baby s Baptism ). Water, Oil, White Garment, Candle, Font Ritual (Rite of Baptism) 9:30 am, Meet in gathering space. Priest or Deacon will begin ritual near the baptismal font about 10 minutes before Mass by asking what parents ask of the ch urch, and baby s name and then there is a blessing. When Mass begins, parents, godparents, and baby will be part of the procession into church. The Mass will proceed until after the petitions, when everyone will be asked to renew their baptismal vows and profession of faith. Baby will then be baptized with water, and anointed with oil. The godfather will light or receive the baptismal candle from the Pascal Candle. Parents will then be presented with knit blanket and certificate. Questions for discussion: Why do you want your baby baptized? How will you bring up the baby in the faith? How will you utilize the godparents? Since you are on a College campus and did well with the quiz, we are not done yet, there is homework: Writing a Baptism Letter to your child. At this time we would like you, as the parent, to write a letter to your child explaining why you are requesting that he/she be baptized in the Catholic Church. Also include in the letter what God s church should ask from both of you in order to baptize this child. All or parts of this letter may be shared at baptism with your consent. Please compose your letter below. When you are finished please sign your letter (first and last name) and give it to the Deacon or Priest at the beginning of the baptism process which is prior to Mass. At times the presider will have someone read the letter to the family that is present. You will get the letter back as a keepsake. Thank you. Closing Prayer : Father, bless us parents as we celebrate the baptism of our child. Watch over us that we may be examples of your love, peace, and joy to our children, friends, and all who come into contact with us. Bless our child s godparents as they commit to support us and our child. Bless our family and friends. Loving God, watch over and protect us all. Walk through in church

6 Set Up before Mass: table, white tablecloth, bowl and shell, water, towel(s), chrism oil (SC), candle (s), wet-wipes for priest, move Easter Candle into area of baptisms. Common questions regarding Baptism: 1. Does the child's first or middle name have to be a saint's name? The only time we intervene on a name is if the name is 'anti-christian", such as Lucifer, Satan, Hitler. Then, a priest would be notified and can refuse to baptize the child. 4 page document outlining the canon law and detail are at the bottom of this document as reference material. 2. Should we teach that Baptism washes away original sin? Yes. See additional reference information below. 3. Must a godparent be confirmed? 1 of the GodParents must be Catholic and must be confirmed. If they do not know of a person that meets this requirement, we can appoint someone that would make a life long commitment to keep in touch. One GodParent must be male and the other female. Since only 1 must be Catholic and confirmed, it is acceptable for the 2nd person to be a good Christian, and not Catholic. 4. Does baptism last a lifetime 5. Can I have baptism during lent? No, the Catholic church does not allow baptisms during lent unless emergency situation, such as impending death.

7 6. Where are the candles for Baptism? Candles are in the Sacristy where the priests vest. They are below the counter, to the right of where the wine bottles are stored. They are in red cardboard boxes, individually wrapped. 7. Is there a suggested amount for a stipend? Explain that the church that baptizes, is accountable to retain and manage the record through the life of the person, until death. This means throughout the life of the person, the parish holding the record will have to update it at Confirmation time, at Marriage and/or ordination. To cover this administrative cost we request a minimum payment of $25. $10 GB Diocese standard payment to parish for lifetime records management the following not required. are considerations $15 iif at Baptism prep covers $13 children s bible and $2 GodParent book Some couples will give the presider that does the baptism >$25 but this is not expected. 8. Can a family have a private Baptism? The short answer is we strongly encourage baptism within the celebration of Mass. At St Norbert College Parish the norm is the 1st Sunday of each month. The long answer and reason is; How a community celebrates baptism expresses and shapes its theology of church. Private baptism sets the stage for an individualistic sense of participation in church life which harmonizes only too well with the individualism that marks contemporary society. Of course, there are always conditions that provide for the exception of private baptism: fear of persecution, imminent danger of death, and even less dramatic circumstances that call for pastoral discernment. The retrieval of the Church s ancient practice of initiation and its embodiment in the post-vatican II renewed rites of initiation places the normative celebration of baptism of both adults and children is in the Sunday celebration of the Eucharist to which the newly baptized are called by right and responsibility for life. Thus the practice of our parish will be that the celebration of Baptism will take place, except by special dispensation by the pastoral leader alone, only within the Sunday Eucharist. The first Sunday of every month will be designated for the celebration of baptism within the Eucharist. Our practice over the last year has demonstrated that the integration of baptism into Mass can be done well without lengthening the time of the service.

8 9. Additional Information; Why Baptism? To grow in God s Love more completely God wills all of us to salvation. Baptism is a YES response. Baptize in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit Jesus Christ Unless one is born through water and the Spirit, one cannot enter the kingdom of God Jesus Christ. We strive to live your word and be true to our Baptismal Call of Discipleship Parish Prayer Baptism shows God our belief in him and God s belief in us Baptism signifies the new life and the cleansing from sin won for us when Jesus rose from the dead. Baptism cleanses people from original sin and from all personal sin St. Joseph bible, page 51 Baptism is the prototype, initiation of all Christian religions MCE 777 History of the Sacrament Martos 27 AD John baptizes Jesus who begins to proclaim in Galilee the near advent of the kingdom of God. He gathers a group of disciples around him. This event of baptism, Mathew 3: 16 17, revealed two things; the presence of the Holy Spirit; secondly, the status of divine sonship. The same holds true for all who are baptized and follow Christ, the event is that of the Holy Spirit and anointing with the Spirit; secondly, makes them other Christs, sons and daughters of God The Signs and Symbolism of Baptism Sign of the Cross story of my Uncle Roger s final days A sign on something shows it s origins or ownership. The sign of the cross is the mark of Christians, for Jesus Christ died on the cross. Parents and godparents trace it on the child s forehead to show that the baby belongs to Christ, who now offers his help and grace to face and overcome the sufferings of life. Water Water is the symbol of life, for without water there will be no life. It also makes us clean. This is for cleansing and is a sign that our sins are washed away. Baptism cleanses us of original sin with which we are all born and in the baptism of adults of every sin committed prior to baptism. Water is also necessary for life and so is a sign too that the life of the risen Christ is ours. Oils Oil of baptism is olive oil rubbed on the breast of the baby, just as athletes used to rub themselves with oil to strengthen and prepare for the fight ahead.

9 Oil of chrism is a mixture of olive oil and balsam (sweet smelling ointment) and is rubbed on the crown of the head. It is a sign of sealing with the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Christ means anointed one for Jesus was given a special work to do. He suffered, died, and rose again in order to unite us to his heavenly Father. The profession of faith which you make on behalf of you child at baptism will later be confirmed personally by your child in the sacrament of confirmation, when oil of chrism will be used again. The oils are blessed by the bishop on Holy Thursday. White Garment is a relic of the new clothes worn by Christians after baptism in the first centuries. It is a sign of innocence and the new life of resurrection. Candles These symbolize Christ the Light of the World. The baptismal candle is lit from the paschal candle which stands near the altar at Easter as a sign of the risen Christ. The baptismal candle reminds us that the light of Christ has entered the baptized life; and its flame symbolizes the flame of faith which will burn through the life of your child. Baptismal Register baptism is recorded in the parish Baptismal Register. In the years ahead, proof of baptism may be obtained in the form of a certificate issued on the basis of this registration. Fee The fee is $25 to cover the cost of the training materials and books. It is customary to offer the presider a stipend at your discretion. Resource Information Baptism Preparation Process; edit The Celebration of the Sacrament of Baptism at the St Norbert College Parish Church: Our Policy - Fr Andrew, Feb 2017 The announcement in the abbey newsletter indicated that Frater Guy would make his solemn profession at a private ceremony in the abbot s chapel to which only his immediate family and a few confreres would be invited. Likewise his ordination to the diaconate a week later would be celebrated privately in the abbey crypt. Frater Guy explained that his parents were uncomfortable being participants in large public ceremonies of the church and thus this accommodation which would also inform his ordination to the priesthood and Mass of Thanksgiving. Next year Father Guy will celebrate a private Mass for the First Communion of his nephew. In the past such private rituals were not unheard of but for far different reasons. During the forty years of Communist rule in Central and Eastern Europe Norbertine candidates made their solemn profession

10 and were ordained in clandestine rites which were not announced to even their family members. Fear of persecution shaped the timing and place of the Church s sacramental celebrations in those dark times. The sacraments of the Roman Catholic Church are of their very nature owned and to be celebrated by ecclesial communities. The Introductions to the Church s ritual books always make provision for and give preference to full community celebrations, even for the sacraments of healing (Reconciliation and Anointing of the Sick). Private celebrations are primarily foreseen in emergency situations such as sudden and imminent danger of death. But there persists in Roman Catholic parish practice regular provision for the private celebration of that sacrament which incorporates adult and/or children into the Body of Christ, the Church, whose right and responsibility it is to discern the right of candidates to celebrate the rites to which they believe themselves called and to celebrate those rites with and for them. How a community celebrates baptism expresses and shapes its theology of church. Private baptism sets the stage for an individualistic sense of participation in church life which harmonizes only too well with the individualism that marks contemporary society. Of course, there are always conditions that provide for the exception of private baptism: fear of persecution, imminent danger of death, and even less dramatic circumstances that call for pastoral discernment. The retrieval of the Church s ancient practice of initiation and its embodiment in the post-vatican II renewed rites of initiation places the normative celebration of baptism of both adults and children is in the Sunday celebration of the Eucharist to which the newly baptized are called by right and responsibility for life. Thus the practice of our parish will be that the celebration of Baptism will take place, except by special dispensation by the pastoral leader alone, only within the Sunday Eucharist. The first Sunday of every month will be designated for the celebration of baptism within the Eucharist. Our practice over the last year has demonstrated that the integration of baptism into Mass can be done well without lengthening the time of the service. Furthermore, if baptism is incorporation into the local Body of Christ that is the parish, only members of the parish have a right to be baptized here. Other families seeking baptism at OSJ must know that the rite will be celebrated publicly within the Sunday Eucharist and that they need to provide a letter from their home pastor giving permission for the baptism to take place outside here. Congratulations! Congratulations on your new baby and on your decision to have child baptized.

11

12