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Baptism
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Congratulations on the birth of your child!
Our Saint Thomas Parish community is praying for you as you begin this amazing journey of parenthood. If there is anything that we can do for you as a family, please reach out to the Parish. We are here for you!
We are excited to welcome this child into the Church through the Sacrament of Baptism.
The question of why we have Baptisms in the Catholic Faith is easily answered: to gain eternal life. As Christians, we are blessed by Baptism. It is the door to the Catholic Faith and the first step we take to pursue eternal life in heaven. This is backed up in Sacred Scripture:
“Unless you’re born again in the water of the spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.”
John 3
Like all the sacraments, Baptism is primarily about our connection to Jesus Christ. Jesus himself was baptized at the beginning of his ministry, and Baptism has been a hallmark of Christian identity since the time of the apostles. To quote the Catechism, “Through Baptism we are freed from sin and reborn as [children] of God; we become members of Christ, are incorporated into the Church, and made sharers in her mission.” Baptism connects us to Christ and connects us to the Body of Christ – all the other baptized members of the Church.This is an important moment in the life of your child, as well as in the life of you, the parents, and your family.Scheduling
At Saint Thomas, we typically have Baptisms after the 4 PM Mass on Saturday or after the 12:15 Mass on Sunday.
For Baptisms after the 12:15 PM Sunday Mass:
We ask that everyone be at Church and ready for the Baptism by 1:15 PM.
For Baptisms after the 4 PM Saturday Mass:
We ask that everyone be at Church and ready for the Baptism by 5 PM.
Baptisms usually last about 25 minutes. If this time or day does not work with your schedule or the schedules of your family, please reach out to us. We are happy to do what we can to accommodate your schedule. There may be up to 3 children to be baptized on any given Sunday.Godparents
Godparents play an important role in the Baptism itself, but also and in the life of the newly baptized. Godparents serve as models of faith and help you, the parents, in raising the child in the Christian life. Only one godparent is required, but two are the norm. If there are two, one must be male and one female.
At least one of the godparents needs to meet the following criteria:- At least 16 years old
- Be a practicing Catholic who has been Confirmed and received First Communion
- Practicing doesn’t mean perfect, but practicing means attends Mass on Sundays
- Be registered in a parish
A baptized person who is not Catholic and belongs to another Christian community may be a “Christian witness” (not a godparent) provided that there is at least one Roman Catholic godparent who fulfills the above criteria. A non-baptized person cannot be a witness.Baptismal Attire
Clothing or the Baptismal Gown. A baptismal outfit or gown is worn by the one receiving baptism. Traditionally, the outfit is white. This is to signify Christian dignity, and the act of becoming a new creature through the sacrament. The color white is also to symbolize being clothed with Christ, as we are cleansed from sin. The outfit can be new or passed down through your family. For older children, a gown is not required, but any appropriate church attire.
Baptism is a beautiful and holy sacrament, we encourage you to take some time to view the following short videos that help prepare for this important Sacrament. These videos are from the Belonging: Baptism in the Family of God Baptismal Prep Program.
These are engaging and helpful videos that can help you prepare for the Baptism of your Child. Please especially watch the videos marked with a * even if this isn’t your first child to have baptized.
Intro Video
What’s in a Name
Real Relationship
Liar, Lunatic, Lord
Child of God
Real Change
Your Family
*The Rite of Baptism
*The Role of GodparentsPlease do reach out to the Parish Office if you have any questions, and to schedule the Baptism. And congratulations on your growing family!We are praying for you!
Fr. Ross Kelsch
Pastor
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Additional Resources