Policy for Celebrating Infant Baptism
When celebrating infant Baptism, the Church looks to the parents whose home must become the place where faith and conversion will be nurtured in the child. While the initiation of infants may be celebrated at different times during the year, the celebration always reflects the spirit of the Paschal Mystery, the death and rising of the Lord Jesus Christ.
From (Book iv The Sanctifying Office of the Church Sacramental & Liturgical Life)
In the Order of Baptism of Children, parents and godparents are asked several questions. These questions ask if you believe and are willing to teach the beliefs of the Catholic Faith.
Requirements to have your Child Baptized.
Is the Child younger than 6 years of age? (If the child is over 6 then see RCIC)
Is your family a registered member of Holy Family Catholic Church?
Are both godparents Christian?
Are at least one of the godparents Practicing Catholic?
Goes to weekly Mass.
No impediments to the Faith.
Willing to help teach the Child the Catholic Faith
Is at least 16 years of age. (Exceptions allowed by their parish priest.)
We recommend both parents and godparents attend Baptismal prep class, but at least one parent must attend. If the godparents do not live in the area, encourage them to attend a Baptismal prep class at their Parish.
Parents are the first heralds of the faith. Teaching the faith to their children is the privilege and responsibility of the parent. PSR or Catholic schools are merely there to assist you in this task. Are you willing to teach or send your child to PSR or send them to Catholic School when they reach the 1st Grade? (Not just a couple of months before their Confirmation.)
Catholic Parents and godparents should attend the Sacrament of Reconciliation prior to the Baptism.
“Baptism is 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. The rite of Baptism consists in immersing the candidate in water, or pouring water on the head, while pronouncing the invocation of the Most Holy trinity: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. “
From (Catechism of the Catholic Church second edition) Glossary Definition
Your child is also being indoctrinated into the three-fold mission of Jesus Christ: Priest, Prophet, and King. It is the parent’s and godparents’ responsibility to teach the child or children the responsibility of this.
Please fill out the Infant Baptism – General Information Form.
If one or more of the godparents attend another Parish, please have their parish
fill out the Godparent Verification of their Parish and Interview.