The Sacrament of Baptism
Dear Parents,
Congratulations! You have approached this faith community seeking the
Sacrament of Baptism for your child. Perhaps you are still awaiting
this blessed event, perhaps your baby has just recently been born, or
perhaps he or she has already been in this world for some time. Whatever
the case, we hope this information will enrich the celebration of your
child’s baptism and help to make this sacrament a more meaningful
experience.
The celebration and reception of the Sacraments have always been external
signs of who we are as members of a faith community. Each parish
is like a large family attempting to live out God’s message the
way Jesus did. We believe that God is the head of the human family
and we are all brothers and sisters, equal in God’s eyes. Baptism
is the external sign celebrating the entrance of a person into the total
Christian Community as well as into a specific parish family. It
is a party, a joyful celebration that welcomes a new comer into the community. Parents
and the rest of the family together say: ‘We accept you and the
responsibility for you. We will be with you on your journey. We
believe that by becoming a member of our faith community, you will truly
have a new life, because we promise to love you and to care for you just
as Jesus does. You are one of us, our relative as truly as Jesus
is.’
In Baptism, as in all the Sacraments, Jesus acts in and through the celebrating
community. Surrounded by those who believe and live daily, the
life of Christ, we have every reason to hope that your child, will develop
a strong faith life.
The Sacrament of Baptism celebrates a reality just as a birthday celebrates
the completion of another year. The reality that is being celebrated
indicates that changes have taken place. In Baptism, the changes
take place in the baby as well as in the community. Within this
Sacrament, a child is welcomed into a new life, the faith life of the
Christian community. The reality being celebrated must exist if
the Sacrament is to have any meaning. Each one present shares some
responsibility for the new person. Each pledges to help the child
grow to the fullness of life. Baptism, the celebration, is a beginning,
but it presumes there will be a continuation of what was celebrated. A
real community of people who love each other is an absolute necessity
if this promise of new life is to come true.
Yours in Christ,
Rev. James E. Molgano, Pastor
BAPTISMAL GUIDELINES
Parents must attend and godparents are ‘encouraged’ to attend
the parish Baptism preparation class. It is suggested that parents plan
to attend prior to the birth of the new baby, if possible. This
will allow for easier scheduling of relatives etc. The baptism preparation
class is offered once each month. Call the parish office to schedule
your attendance.
Parents should be registered at St. Martin de Porres, or secure permission
from their parish of registration prior to the baptism.
One godparent‘ must be a practicing Catholic. Normally be
at least sixteen years of age, a member in good standing of the Catholic
Church and have received all three sacraments of initiation, baptism,
confirmation and first communion. A baptized non-Catholic may serve
as a Christian witness. A certificate of eligibility must be presented
by the Catholic godparent's if they are not registered at St. Martin
de Porres. This ‘sponsor’ certificate is easily obtained
from the home parish of the Catholic godparent.
Invite your guest to arrive at least 15 minutes before the scheduled
time for the baptism. All baptisms are on the second Saturday of
the month at 10:00 a.m. We will make every effort to accommodate
your scheduling needs. Call the office.
If any of your guest are unfamiliar with the location of St. Martin de
Porres, provide them with good directions.
Pictures may be taken during the ceremony by anyone except the parents
and godparents, they must remain free to participate in the ceremony. The
celebrant will be happy to pose for photographs after the ceremony. Picture
taking during baptisms that will occur within the context of the Mass
will not be allowed. Pictures will be posed after the Mass is over.
The parents will hold the child throughout the ceremony.
BAPTISMAL SYMBOLS
Sign of the Cross:
The sign of salvation – the sign of a follower of Christ. Sign
of community.
Renewal of Baptismal Vows:
Our rejection of sin and our promise to lead the child to do the same.
Water:
Symbol of the Holy Spirit. Symbol of the chosen remnant people
in Egypt. God used water to save and cleanse His people.
Oils:
Used to cleanse and heal. And in the Scriptures to anoint priests, prophets
and kings. The child is now a member of the royal priesthood.
White Garment:
Reminds us of the resurrected new life of Jesus.
Candle:
Sign of Jesus as the Light of the World, shattering the darkness of sin
and death. Should be lighted each year on the anniversary of
the baptismal date. This date should be remembered and
celebrated as we do their natural birth date
It is a beautiful day, for another child is welcomed by this faith community
into God’s family!!
What a privilege for us, what a grace for them.
WELCOME! |