Why the Sacrament of Baptism?

To have a child baptized is an incredible gift to him/her.
In baptism a child is claimed by Christ and given a pledge in the life of the Kingdom of God. The child is welcomed into the community called Church where he/she will grow in the love of God. This is quite a gift, and for the parents of the child it brings with it a serious responsibility.

Baptism is not merely a ritual that marks the birth of the child. It is not merely a celebration to welcome a new family member. Bringing a child to the baptismal font expresses the commitment of the parents to raise their child in the Catholic faith.

To present a child for baptism is to accept the responsibility for the growth of his/her faith.

Thus, the decision to baptize a child is a serious one. It should not be done simply because it is a custom or because it is expected. It should be a decision that comes out of the parents' own profession of faith in Jesus Christ.

Baptism is the beginning of the process of passing on the faith tradition of the Church. It is a serious responsibility, and it is one that parents do not bear alone. Godparents play an important role as witnesses and models of Christian living.

The parish community embraces new members in this "sacrament of welcome," and in doing so pledges to assist parents in their duty of passing on the faith. The parish priests, the Office of Religious Education, and the Office of Family Ministry at the Cathedral offer many programs for parents and young children.

Guidelines for Choosing Godparents

Godparents serve two important purposes in the Sacrament of Baptism.

First, they act as representatives of the Church in welcoming the newly baptized members.

Second and more importantly, they act as models of Christian living for the newly baptized. They assist the parents in passing on the faith, and they assist the baptized in living out the faith. Choosing godparents is an important decision, and one that should be taken seriously. If you need help selecting a godparent, feel free to talk to our priest or parish council member.

There are several requirements that should be considered when choosing godparents:

• Only one sponsor is required (male or female). Two godparents may be selected, in which case there must be one of each gender.
• In view of the ecclesial and educational role of godparents, ideally both should be Catholic with an active interest in the faith of your child.
• However, a baptized Christian of a non-Catholic community may be admitted as a "Christian witness" as long as the other godparent is a Catholic.

Godparents should:

• have completed their sixteenth year
• have themselves received the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist).
• be practicing Catholics in good standing with the Church, living a life in harmony with the faith and role to be undertaken.

Those chosen as godparents should be present at the celebration of baptism.

The mother or father of the one to be baptized may not act as godparent.
Relatives may act as godparents.
 

Practical Suggestions for the Celebration

What time should the family arrive?
Baptisms are normally held during the celebration of Mass or on a Saturday or Sunday in Church or if circumstances dictate in the lower chapel. The family should always arrive at least 20 minutes prior to the scheduled time of celebration.

What should the child wear?
There is no specific dress required for your child, as a baptismal garment is presented to him/her at the baptism, but he/she should be dressed nicely. If you have a family baptismal gown, it would be appropriate.

One part of the Rite of Baptism calls for child's breast to be anointed with the Oil of the Catechumens. To facilitate this ritual, it should be possible to open the child's clothes at the neck. Please keep this in mind when planning what your child should wear.

What is the role of the parents and godparents during the celebration?
The Second Vatican Council of the Church called for the full, conscious, and active participation of the assembly in the liturgy. This participation is important, in fact essential, at the celebration of baptism. Parents and godparents are invited to profess their faith and renew their own baptismal commitment as they pledge to model and pass on their faith to their children.

There are also specific roles to be carried out by individuals during the rite. To allow for the baptism to proceed smoothly, it should be decided in advance who will hold the child, who will receive the baptismal candle, and who will receive the baptismal garment and place it on the child.

How much should the offering be for the Church?
There is no charge or fee for the celebration of baptism. However, it is customary to make an offering to the Church on the occasion of the baptism of your child. This voluntary contribution helps us continue to provide an adequate program of Baptismal Preparation.
 

To Schedule a Baptism please contact

St. Theresa Catholic Church 
630 Rathbun Street 
Blackstone, MA 01504 
508-883-7206   |   508-883-5250 fax 
theresaparish630@gmail.com