Baptism

What happens in Baptism is the beginning of a process that embraces the whole of our life:  it makes us fit for eternity.

Benedict XVI

As the Catechism of the Catholic Church so rightly states, 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 and daughters of God; we become members of Christ, are incorporated into the church and made sharers in the Church's mission.

The Role of the Parents

The nurturing and education of a child requires great care and absolute commitment from the parent/guardian.  The child's parent/guardian is not only the primary caregiver but also the primary teacher of the faith.  To fulfill this responsibility and commitment, the parent/guardian guides their child by Christian example and should strive every day to develop a deeper personal relationship with God, nurtured by a healthy prayer life and regular Mass attendance. 

This requirement is so clearly prescribed in the Rite of Baptism, when the celebrant asks the parent/guardian and the godparent(s):

The Role of Godparents

The godparent plays an integral role in assisting the parent/guardian in the Christian formation of the child.  A godparent is chosen because of the way he/she lives and shares the Catholic faith.  It is the godparent's role to help the newly baptized lead a life in harmony with the Gospel and to share one's faith through example. 

Only one godparent is required for the Sacrament of Baptism.  To be eligible to serve as a godparent, the godparent must:

• Be an active Catholic who has received the Sacraments of Holy Eucharist and Confirmation
• Be 16 years of age or older
• Live in harmony with the faith
• Not be a parent/guardian of the child.

For this reason, Catholics who are living with someone outside of marriage, have married outside the Catholic Church, regularly miss Sunday Mass, or fail to live their lives in accordance with the teachings of the Church, cannot serve as godparent.  If two godparents are chosen, then one must be female and one must be male.

Baptism Sacramental Preparation

There are three simple steps in the Sacramental Preparation Program for Baptism -

1. Basic instruction about our Catholic faith and the Sacrament of Baptism
2. Arranging for godparent(s)
3. Scheduling the actual celebration of the Sacrament of Baptism.

Baptism of Adults or Children 7+ Years Old

Adults seeking baptism, as well as parents of children over 7, especially middle-school and high-school aged youth are regarded by the Church as capable of learning about our Catholic faith and appreciating the glorious gift of the sacraments.  The customary path for adults and older children is a program of study, worship, and sacraments called the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA).   Click here for more information on the RCIA program at Blessed Trinity Parish.

Baptism Certificate Request

If you would like to request a copy of your child's Baptism Certificate, please visit the Contact Us page.