Baptism

“Holy Baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life, the gateway to life in the Spirit, 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.”  Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1213

The first of the seven sacraments, and the “door” which gives access to the other sacraments. Baptism is the first and chief sacrament of forgiveness of sins because it unites us with Christ, who died for our sins and rose for our justification. Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist constitute the “Sacraments of Initiation” by which a believer receives the remission of original and personal sin, begins a new life in Christ and the Holy Spirit, and is incorporated into the Church, the Body of Christ.

BAPTISM AT LIGHT OF THE WORLD

Baptismal preparation classes are typically on the 2nd Sunday of the month at 11:45am and are required for parents and godparents , unless the class has been taken within the past 3 years.

Requirements for a Godparent:

• Has taken a Baptismal preparation class within the past three years and taken at least two weeks prior to the Baptism.
• Must not be the father or mother of the one to be baptized
• Has received the three Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist
• Is at least 16 years of age
•  Must be a registered, practicing member of a Catholic Church who attends Mass on Sundays, receives the Sacraments regularly; Sees to the religious instruction of his/her family and as godparents, are willing to assist the parents in raising the child in the Catholic faith.
• Must be a member of the Catholic Church, canonically free to carry out this office. If Married- This would indicate that a Catholic has been Married in the Catholic Church or has had their Marriage blessed in the Catholic Church.  Catholics married outside the Church, or Catholics who choose to cohabitate outside of the Sacrament of Marriage are ineligible.
• Traditionally there are two godparents, only one male and one female, but only one Catholic godparent is required.   

Christian Witness for Baptism:

A Non-Catholic can be a Christian witness ONLY if accompanied by a Catholic godparent. A baptized and believing Christian who is not Catholic , but practicing in his/her Christian Faith, can act as a Christian witness, BUT NOT AS A GODPARENT.

Any Catholic, who has abandoned the faith, even if they now are active members in another Christian Church or community, may not serve as a Godparent or as a Christian Witness. They have separated themselves from the Church and cannot serve even as a witness.

For more information:

Please contact Jan here or at 303-973-3969 to schedule a time to attend the Baptismal Class prior to the arrival of your baby.  All parents are required to take a Baptismal Preparation Class and must be a registered, contributing and participating members of the parish for at least 6 months.