Baptism of Small Children

BAPTISM makes us a child of God...

Through Baptism, parents assume an awesome responsibility to teach their child to love and to know about the God who created him/her. These lessons begin with Baptism and continue all through the pre-school and growing up years.

One of the ways that the faith communities of St. Joseph and St. Mary can support families and help them pass on the faith is through the Parent Preparation Classes. This program will help parents teach their child about our Catholic faith, our customs and our traditions.

Anyone interested in the Sacrament of Baptism for their child or infant should contact the parish religious education office for further information and to begin the registration process.

PROGRAM COMPONENTS:

The Core Team consisting of members from both St. Mary and St. Joseph have been specially trained for this ministry and to make the series of four presentations.

Session 1: The Faith Journey and the History of Baptism
Session 2: The Rite of Baptism and its Signs and Symbols
Session 3: Christian Parenting and Planning for Baptsim Rite
Session 4: Reunion Celebration of Families after Baptism

Each session begins with a prayer and is followed by a video presentation and discussion. Materials are provided for parents to reflect on between sessions.

The fourth session follows the actual Baptism with the class participants sharing their stories and reflections on their own recent experience of the very meaningful Rite of Baptism.

GODPARENTS:

Choosing a Godparent for your child is necessary. Questions to ask yourself are:

• Does this person know and practice their own faith commitment?
• Will this person be able to help us lead our child closer to God by being a "good example"?
• Is this person a confirmed and practicing Catholic?

1) be a fully initiated Catholic;
2) be registered and actively participating in their local faith community;
3) If not a member of St. Mary or St. Joseph, then a Letter of Verification from their pastor will suffice. 
Only one Godparent is needed by Cannon Laws of our Church, but often two are chosen.

It is not just and honor but a serious responsibility to be a Godparent. A Godparent cannot be a parent or spouse of the one being baptized.

TO REGISTER FOR PARENT CLASSES:

Contact the Religious Education Director to begin the process.

Step 1: Register and participate within St. Mary or St. Joseph parish for at least six months prior to Baptism.

Step 2: Register for particular series of parent preparation classes.

Step 3: Submit copy of child's birth certificate one week prior to Baptism.

Step 4: If Godparents are not registered and active members of either St. Mary or St. Joseph, present Letter of Verification from their pastor, one week prior to Baptsim.

Families are encouraged to attend the Parent Classes during pregnancy when life is at a slower pace. Godparents and significant live-in family members (ie: grandparents) are encouraged to attend these sessions and participate in the Baptism celebration.

Only certain dates are available to celbrate this Sacrament of Baptism during the weekend liturgies. Please call the religious education office at St. Joseph or St. Mary parish for the next available class and dates of baptism.