Baptism Checklist o Baptism Information form completed and attached o Godparent s information, signed by the godparent and the church she/he currently attends and the church seal is affixed. o Copy of the godparent s confirmation certificate o Baptism class attended at Risen Christ Once this Baptism Packet is completed and returned to the church office, you will be contacted to schedule the Baptism. Name Daytime Phone Number
Dear Parents, Congratulations on the birth of your child. Our parish rejoices with you and stands ready to assist you in your God given role of raising your child in the Catholic Faith. The Sacrament of Baptism is the gateway to the other Sacraments as it is the first we receive and without it we cannot receive any other Sacrament. By means of Baptism we are reborn in Christ, given new life, made adopted children of God, members of His Mystical Body, the Church and heirs of the Kingdom of Heaven. These graces continue to be mediated to us and nourished in us by the Church as we mature and receive the other Sacraments along our life s journey. As parents, you are the primary educators and formers of your children. This is true both in preparing them for life in this world and for their life in the world that is to come. In this regard, good example is the best of teachers. Religious signs, symbols and ceremonies can mean little if there is no faith to back up the words that are solemnly pronounced in religious ceremonies. In today s world, religious matters can be merely a social exercise for many people. Because the Church has the obligation of safeguarding the Sacraments, it has become necessary to make sure parents and godparents understand the obligations they are assuming before God on behalf of their child. As you wish to have your child baptized we would like you to have some basic information regarding this important first step on your child s spiritual journey. It is our hope that you find this information helpful. What are the requirements for baptism? Before baptizing a child, the minister of baptism is required to be sure that there is the well founded hope that the child will be raised in the faith. The child should have a Christian name, (Canon 855). The Catholic Church s Code of Canon Law lists these qualification as necessary for a godparent. There must be at least one godparent, who is Catholic, (see form) Canon 872 The godparent s role with the parents is to present the infant for the sacrament of Baptism, help the child live a life befitting a baptized Catholic Christian. Canon 873 There may be only one male godparent or one female godparent. However if there are two godparents they are to be one male and one female. Canon 874 o To be permitted to take on the function of godparent a person must:
1. Be designated by the parent and must be mature enough to undertake this responsibility; 2. Be at least 16 years of age; 3. Have received the three sacraments of initiation namely Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation and lives a life of faith in keeping with the role to be undertaken; 4. Not be bound by any canonical penalty legitimately imposed or declared by the Church; 5. Must not be the father or mother of the one to be baptized; o A baptized person who belongs to a non- Catholic Christian community may not be admitted as a godparent but as a witness to the Baptism together with a Catholic godparent. The Role of Parents At least one parent must be Catholic and make a commitment to raise the child in the Catholic faith. Parents should not be in an irregular union, this means that their marriage should be recognized by the Catholic Church. Parents are required to attend a baptism class at Risen Christ. Parents should live within parish boundaries and preferably be registered members of Risen Christ for at least three months and attend Mass regularly. All required paperwork must be completed prior to scheduling your child s baptism. (see checklist) The Role of Godparents To be chosen as a godparent is a special honor. You have been entrusted with the responsibility to participate in this child s Catholic life and education. This privilege offers you the opportunity to develop a mutually enriching spiritual relationship one that will last throughout this life and beyond.
Information for Baptism Register Child s Full Name First Name Middle Last Name Child s Date of Birth Place of Birth City State Father s Full Name (As it appears on child s birth certificate) First Name Middle Last Name Mother s Full (Maiden) Name (As it appears on child s birth certificate) First Name Middle Last Name Father s Religion Mother s Religion Home Address City State Zip Code Phone Number Godfather s Full Name Godmother s Full Name Requirements for Godparent forms have be completed Christian Witness Name if applicable Proxy if applicable
Sacrament Administered by Date Form for each godparent The Godparent s role is to be a good example of Christian faith for the child being baptized. Together with the parents, the Godparents present the child for the Sacrament and helps guide them to live a life of holiness. Being a sponsor/godparent is not just an honor given to a good friend or relative. It implies a real appreciation of our Catholic Faith, a lifestyle that proclaims the truth, and sense of responsibility toward the young person being baptized. First Name Middle/Maiden Name Last Name Mailing address City State Zip Code Date of Birth: Phone: Canon 874 and 892 of the Code of Canon Law lists these requirements for the valid and lawful sponsorship in Baptism. A godparent must be fully initiated into the Catholic faith. Please provide a copy of your Confirmation Certificate or a Baptismal Certificate with notations of the reception of First Communion and Confirmation. A godparent must be 16 years of age. A godparent must be canonically free to carry out this office. This means that Catholics in an invalid marriage (not according to Catholic Church regulations) and those that are cohabitating (living together without marriage) cannot serve as a godparent. A godparent must know the fundamental truths of the Faith and be a practicing Catholic who would attend Mass on Sundays and receive the sacraments of Holy Communion and Reconciliation regularly. I declare that I fulfill the Catholic Church s requirements of a Godparent. I commit to the responsibility of acting as a Godparent. Godparent Signature Date to be signed and sealed by Godparent Pastor of Record
Frequently asked questions. At what age should my child be baptized? Newborn children should be presented for baptism as soon as possible after birth. Any child at any age is always welcomed for baptism given a commitment to raise the child according to the Catholic faith. Can we have our child baptized if we are not married, or if were married outside the church, or if I am a single-parent? In these special circumstances we would like to have the opportunity to discuss the matter with you. Why must I be a registered member of the parish in order to have my child baptized here? Within the rite of baptism, parents accept the responsibility of training their child in the practice of the faith. Although the decision of infant baptism is often thought of in terms of the child, it can also be a decision for adults to become more active in participation in the church. Registration at a parish indicates a commitment of your family to the parish community. How many godparents may I have or must I have? You are only required to have one Godparent, who must be Catholic. Most people have two, they must be of different sexes. Godparents are required to complete a form and turn it into the parish office, one form for each godparent. If the Catholic godparent is married, they must be a in a marriage recognized by the church. The non-catholic godparent will be listed as a Christian witness. Parents are not permitted to be godparents. Must I attend a Baptism Class? Parents and godparents are welcome to attend the class. New parents who haven t attended a class in the last 3 years are required to attend the class. Classes are offered at least six times each year. You are required to attend the class at Risen Christ. When should I attend the baptism class? We encourage you to attend the class prior to the birth of your child as it can take up to 3 months to schedule the baptism.
Must my child have a saint s name to be baptized? Yes, you along with your godparents and pastor my chose a name if the child does not already have a Christian name. Saints are models for living the Catholic life. As the child grows up he or she can learn about, imitate and pray to their patron saint for help and guidance.