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: Baptism is the sacrament of regeneration through water in the word. Catechism of the Catholic Church 1213

Infant Baptism

Baptism is the first Sacrament of Christian Initiation. Baptism of infants (children 6 years old and under) is normally celebrated on a quarterly basis during the regularly scheduled Masses. 

If you would like to have your child baptized at Church of the Holy Family, here is what you need to do: 

1. fill out the   Baptism Request Form
2. you will receive a phone call from the Baptism coordinator within 1-2 weeks to discuss dates that are available and to give more specific details about requirements
3. make sure you are registered in the parish
4. parents must complete a Baptism preparation class.  The class offered by Holy Family is completed online through Ascension Press, Belonging: Baptism in the Family of God. 
5. start thinking about godparents:  see the requirements below.  The Baptism Coordinator will assist you if you are not sure if the person you choose meets the requirements.  

Forms

New Parishioner Registration Form If you are not registered, please complete the form found by clicking the link and submit the form to the parish office or to the Welcome Table in the Commons on Sunday. 

Infant Baptism Schedule

Baptisms will be celebrated on the following dates. Space is available on a first come, first serve basis, so parents are encouraged to complete the Baptism Request Form below and schedule as soon as they can.

2023 Baptism Dates

Saturday, April 29th, during the 5:30pm Mass
Sunday, April 30th, during the 8:15am Mass
Sunday, April 30th, during the 11:00am Mass 
Saturday, August 5th, during the 5:30pm Mass
Sunday, August 6th, during the 8:15am Mass
Sunday, August 6th, during the 10:30am Mass

Parents are asked to choose someone to serve as godparent for their child.  Since the godparent’s role is to assist parents in passing on the faith in which the child is being baptized, parents should choose someone who will take the role seriously and will be a good Catholic role model for the child.  The godparent is to help the child lead a Christian life in keeping with the child’s baptismal dignity.  The Catholic Church asks that at least one Catholic godparent, together with the child’s parents, present the child for baptism.  A baptized person of a non-Catholic Christian community may serve, together with a Catholic godparent, as a Christian witness of the baptism.
Requirements to be a Catholic godparent:

• at least 16 years old 
• has been confirmed and has received the blessed Eucharist
• not bound by a canonical penalty
  • meaning that the person has not had a censure imposed on them for intentional rejection of Church teachings
• leads a life of faith befitting the role to be undertaken; a practicing Catholic
  • regularly attends Mass; if married, marriage is recognized by the Catholic Church
  • Watch this video in which Fr. Mike Schmitz explains what it means to be a "practicing Catholic":  https://youtu.be/jrGW5G8QqQ4
• not a parent of the child
  • but can be a grandparent
• **if the godparent cannot physically attend the baptismal ceremony, a "proxy" is permitted to stand in at the ceremony 

Requirements to be a Christian Witness:

• a practicing Christian in their faith denomination
• at least 16 years old
• willing to help the child lead a Christian life 

Church of the Holy Family will record, at most, two Catholic godparents of opposite sexes in the parish baptismal register, or, at least, one Catholic godparent, with or without a Christian Witness of the opposite sex.  
 

Adult Baptism

See Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA)

"Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, 
baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,
teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you."
--Matthew 28:19-20