Additional Baptism Information
Baptism and Confirmation are the two sacraments of Initiation that involve the participation of Godparents and Sponsor respectively. The Sponsor for Confirmation may be and is encouraged to be one of the Godparents. As with every sacrament, it is Jesus Christ offering Salvation.
Baptism is much more than a beautiful occasion to gather with family, friends and the parish. It is an action of the Church in which the very life of God (grace) is given to an individual. The individual truly becomes an adopted child (son or daughter) of God the Father. Members of the family of God have, as any family, expectations of God the Father: to learn, love and practice the Catholic Faith and to share the good news of Salvation through Christ and His Church.
Parents have the obligation of making sure the child will be raised in the Catholic faith, receive training in the faith and the sacraments, particularly Reconciliation, Eucharist and Confirmation. With some guarantee of these essentials the child may be baptized. Godparents are to take on their role prepared to assist the parents in their duty as Christian parents in raising their godchild Catholic.
Godparents must be practicing the Catholic Faith in good-standing, namely, participation in all Sunday and Holy Day of Obligation Masses (unless circumstances out of their control do not permit such practice, i.e., serious illness, care of homebound or serious ill person, unavoidable work schedule). Godparents have greater requirements because they can be chosen whereas parents are ex-officio. NOTE: Christian witnesses may be non-Catholic but they are not godparents. They must be practicing the Christian Faith and not be opposed to the Catholic Faith.
Godparents must also be sixteen (16) years of age or older (can be waved by pastor of parish baptism is taking place); Confirmed in the Catholic Faith; if married, married according to the Catholic Church’s form or with dispensation from the Bishop; if married more than once, have an annulment for marriages prior to the current union. A letter from the Godparents’ pastor ensures the above to the best of the Church’s ability. Letter(s) for Godparents from their pastor must be received by St. Theresa Parish prior to the baptism.
Also, parents and Godparents must participate in a baptism preparation class. This class may be participated in at any Catholic Parish and a letter of participation sent to St. Theresa Parish prior to baptism. ANY parent or godparent who has participated in a class within three (3) years is exempt from taking another class. Classes are offered at St. Theresa Parish as needed and according to the pastor’s schedule. Pre-requisite for this class is for the parents, and also godparents if they need a class, to watch "Your Baby’s Baptism" available through he parish office in both DVD and VHS formats.
When scheduling a baptism, the options are either Saturday at 1 p.m. or Sunday at 1:00 p.m.
Thank you for contacting the parish regarding the baptism of your child(ren). I look forward to a beautiful celebration of new life in Christ for your youngster. Please contact the parish office with questions and concerns.
You may also rent the Father Hahn Center Hall at a very nominal fee for a post-baptism reception. The office staff will gladly assist you in making arrangements.
Baptism is much more than a beautiful occasion to gather with family, friends and the parish. It is an action of the Church in which the very life of God (grace) is given to an individual. The individual truly becomes an adopted child (son or daughter) of God the Father. Members of the family of God have, as any family, expectations of God the Father: to learn, love and practice the Catholic Faith and to share the good news of Salvation through Christ and His Church.
Parents have the obligation of making sure the child will be raised in the Catholic faith, receive training in the faith and the sacraments, particularly Reconciliation, Eucharist and Confirmation. With some guarantee of these essentials the child may be baptized. Godparents are to take on their role prepared to assist the parents in their duty as Christian parents in raising their godchild Catholic.
Godparents must be practicing the Catholic Faith in good-standing, namely, participation in all Sunday and Holy Day of Obligation Masses (unless circumstances out of their control do not permit such practice, i.e., serious illness, care of homebound or serious ill person, unavoidable work schedule). Godparents have greater requirements because they can be chosen whereas parents are ex-officio. NOTE: Christian witnesses may be non-Catholic but they are not godparents. They must be practicing the Christian Faith and not be opposed to the Catholic Faith.
Godparents must also be sixteen (16) years of age or older (can be waved by pastor of parish baptism is taking place); Confirmed in the Catholic Faith; if married, married according to the Catholic Church’s form or with dispensation from the Bishop; if married more than once, have an annulment for marriages prior to the current union. A letter from the Godparents’ pastor ensures the above to the best of the Church’s ability. Letter(s) for Godparents from their pastor must be received by St. Theresa Parish prior to the baptism.
Also, parents and Godparents must participate in a baptism preparation class. This class may be participated in at any Catholic Parish and a letter of participation sent to St. Theresa Parish prior to baptism. ANY parent or godparent who has participated in a class within three (3) years is exempt from taking another class. Classes are offered at St. Theresa Parish as needed and according to the pastor’s schedule. Pre-requisite for this class is for the parents, and also godparents if they need a class, to watch "Your Baby’s Baptism" available through he parish office in both DVD and VHS formats.
When scheduling a baptism, the options are either Saturday at 1 p.m. or Sunday at 1:00 p.m.
Thank you for contacting the parish regarding the baptism of your child(ren). I look forward to a beautiful celebration of new life in Christ for your youngster. Please contact the parish office with questions and concerns.
You may also rent the Father Hahn Center Hall at a very nominal fee for a post-baptism reception. The office staff will gladly assist you in making arrangements.
