Congratulations! The Catholic family of Holy Family Parish rejoices with you as you bring the child entrusted to you to the Catholic Church to be baptized.
Baptism is the sacrament which begins our Christian life. As such, it is never simply a private or a family affair – it is a welcome into the Christian community and in particular into the community of the Church or denomination in which the baptism is celebrated.
Baptism brings the gift of God’s Holy Spirit, the Spirit which came upon Jesus at his own baptism empowering him in his mission, the Spirit which likewise comes upon us to give us strength to live as disciples of the Gospel.
Baptism draws us into the life of God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. But it is not only about drawing us into a relationship with God – as a sacrament of welcome it also draws us into a relationship with the Church – the community of the fellow baptized, the community of disciples of Jesus.
And baptism of course is not the end of the journey – it is only the beginning. Baptism is the first of the three sacraments which together we name as “Sacraments of Initiation”: Baptism leads on to the celebration of Confirmation, a deepening of the gift of the Holy Spirit to help us continue our journey as disciples; and Confirmation leads on to the Eucharist, when we become full members of the Church and come forward with the rest of the community to share in the body and blood of the Lord, to be united through that sharing, and strengthened again to live as disciples.
As a parish community we join you in your joy in celebrating your child’s baptism, this gracious gift of God’s Spirit, this welcome into the community of the Church, this beginning of the lifelong journey as a disciple.
The following outlines our Parish’s approach to the baptism of infants and young children, and aims to set out a few pieces of background information which will be important to take into account as you prepare for the day of your child’s baptism.
CLICK HERE FOR FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS AND INFORMATION
What do you ask of God’s Church for your child?
What is the Catholic understanding of “godparent” (i.e. sponsor)? Who can be a “godparent”?
How do I select godparents?
How shall I prepare for my child’s Baptism?
Who may be baptized at Holy Family Parish?
Whom shall I contact about having my child baptized?
What is necessary before a date for the Baptism can be set?
How soon after birth should the Baptism take place?
What is the Baptism Schedule?
Are there any fees?
What is attire for the Baptism?
Is photography allowed?
How is Baptism celebrated in regard to the age of my child?
What is a Baptismal name?
In cases of adoption, what should I know?
Is it required to attend a Baptism preparation class?
How are Baptismal records kept?
What are the expectations for Mass attendance?
What is my parental obligation in Baptism?
Who will be the Clergy for Baptism?
What symbols of Baptism do I need to provide?
FORMS:
*Parent Acknowledgement Form
*Application
*Verification of Eligibility as a Godparent
*Baptism Class Schedule
*Baptism Mass Schedule
*Non-Parishioner/New Parishioner Permission Form
Please contact the Parish Office, 891-9259 for more information.
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Q: What do you ask of God’s Church for your child?
A: The first question of the Baptism Rite is addressed to parents and reflects the fact that infant baptism is a decision of the parents. This decision arises out of serious reflection about your commitment to the Christian life. Why? Because Baptism is not an isolated event, it is your expression of your faith and the commitment on your part to raise your child in the family of the Roman Catholic Church. The focus is as much on you as it is on the child.
The Baptism of your child is also an event of the Church. As the above question indicates, you are requesting Baptism from “God’s Church.” “Church” in this sense refers not just to the priests, but also to the entire Christian community, manifested locally in the parish of Holy Family.
Through communal celebrations of infant baptism, Holy Family Parish expresses its joy in welcoming a new member, as well as its commitment to provide support and a community of faith for you and your child as you undertake the mission of living as a Christian family.
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Q: What is the Catholic understanding of “godparent” (i.e. sponsor)? Who can be a “godparent”?
A: The Church views the “godparent” at a baptism as the one who assumes responsibility for the spiritual growth and development of the child in the Catholic faith. This does not necessitate that they take responsibility for the physical or temporal raising of the child should the parents be impeded from doing so. Their duty and responsibility relates primarily to the FAITH!
The role of the godparents is to represent both the Church community in presenting the children for baptism, and to act as a supporter of you, the parents, in your role of nurturing your child’s growth in faith. In the celebration of baptism the godparents are asked the following question:
“Are you ready to help the parents of this child in their call to be Christian mother and father?”
This question captures the essence of the role of the godparents. Baptism is the beginning of a lifetime journey in faith as a disciple. The godparents are people whom you believe can support your child in that journey of faith.
The Church requires that at least one person who acts in this role be themselves a Catholic who has been baptized, and has received Confirmation and the Eucharist. Their role is to join you in presenting your child for baptism and, as has been said above, to help your child live their faith in the Catholic community. Naturally then one person needs to be a full member of the Catholic community. However it is also possible to have other people associated with the godparent role who are members of other Christian Churches. In formal terms they are referred to as “Christian Witnesses”. However their role is essentially the same as that of the Catholic godparent – to support your child in their growth in faith.
Because of this role of the godparent it is never possible for someone who is not themselves baptized to take on this role.
Hopefully the above comments can help you in your choice of your child’s godparents.
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Q: How do I select godparents?
A: Godparents must be confirmed Roman Catholics in good standing (e.g. valid marriage, regularly practicing the faith) and at least 16 years of age, who (if outside our parish) have written testimony to these facts from their pastor. The godparent takes on the responsibility to be a role model and teacher to the child in the practice of the Catholic faith. Non-practicing Catholics are not in a position to fulfill this role and thus sadly disqualify themselves from serving as Godparents.
Canon law requires only one godparent; two are customary. If you choose two, one must be male and the other must be female. Please understand that the Church does not permit more than two sponsors to serve at Baptism. Godparents may not be the mother or father of the child to be baptized.
If the godparents you select are not from Holy Family Parish, we will need to receive a “Verification of Eligibility as a Godparent in Baptism” form from their parish or church at least two weeks prior to the baptism date. Additionally, we must also receive a Sacramental Record complete with notations from their parish of Baptism.
Where the decision is made to have only one Catholic godparent (of either sex), a second person may be designated as a “CHRISTIAN WITNESS.” A “Christian witness” is a person who has been baptized into a Christian denomination (Protestant, Orthodox, etc.) but is not and has never been a Catholic. This person should also be a faithful, practicing Christian, and must provide written proof of their Baptism (e.g., a photocopy of their Baptismal certificate or letter from the church in which they were baptized). He/she serves as a witness to the event of the Baptism, but does not take the responsibility or title of “godparent,” since it would be unfair and unrealistic to expect a non-Catholic, no matter how worthy a person, to take responsibility to raise a child in a Faith they do not profess, or know much about.
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Q: How shall I prepare for my child’s Baptism?
A: The best way to prepare for the Sacrament of Baptism is through prayer, reflection and study. To assist parents, the diocese and parish requires attendance at a preparation session by the parent/s presenting the child for Baptism prior to the Sacrament. If you have not attended a class in the past two years, click here for a schedule of classes. Click here for the Baptism Application Form, on which you may register for a class. Click here for the “Parent Acknowledgement” form, which the Catholic Parent must sign and submit to our office. If you have attended a class in the past two years, please note that on the application, and instructions will be provided to you via email.
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Q: Who may be baptized at Holy Family Parish?
A: The child of any registered member of the parish. If you are not registered in the parish, you may want to meet with a member of the pastoral staff. This will give both the opportunity to assess needs and discuss our faith the unique responsibility to share it with the child God has entrusted to you. If you have recently moved into Holy Family Parish and are now registering, a letter from the pastor of your previous parish stating that you were registered and practicing is requested. If you are not a parishioner of Holy Family Parish, and would like to inquire about the possibility of having your child Baptized here, please contact the Parish Office. A “Pastor’s Permission” letter will be needed. Click here for that form.
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Q: Whom shall I contact about having my child baptized?
A: Please first complete the Baptism Application Form. If you should have further questions, feel free to contact the Parish Office, 891-9259 or parishoffice@holyfamilycaledonia.org.
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Q: What is necessary before a date for the Baptism can be set?
A: Before you can be assured of the date of Baptism, you must first attend a baptismal preparation class, and must submit the Baptism Application Form. Please be sure to arrange for the other forms/paperwork to be completed and received in our office two weeks before the Baptism.
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Q: How soon after birth should the Baptism take place?
A: It is never prudent to delay the Baptism of a child. Canon Law (i.e., 867) certainly encourages you to have your child baptized within the “first weeks after birth” (i.e., no more than six weeks). Social reasons (e.g., availability of godparents, presence of family members) should never be allowed to cause the baptism to be postponed for several months. Godparents may be represented by proxy, if necessary, rather than delaying the baptism. Your most important consideration above all else should be to have your child baptized!
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Q: What is the Baptism schedule?
A: Baptisms are generally scheduled once per month during mass. Typically Baptisms are not held during Lent. It is not unusual for several children to be baptized during each celebration. Baptisms are not scheduled at other times, except in cases of emergency. Click here for the baptism schedule.
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Q: Are there are any fees?
A: As Baptism is a sacrament, no fee is ever charged. Many couples, however, wish to make the customary donation to the church, and such a voluntary donation is greatly appreciated.
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Q: What is attire for Baptism?
A: In accord with tradition, babies must be dressed in white garments, which usually become a keepsake of the baptismal Rite. Please be sure that the garment chosen allows the Celebrant to anoint the child’s breastbone (collarbone), so that either the garment has a fairly open neckline, unbuttons, or the onesie can be stretched down a bit. Bonnets will need to be removed for the Baptism. In regards to the Parents and Godparents/Christian Witnesses, modest suitable dress-up attire is requested, so as to conform to the Christian virtues of modesty and simplicity.
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Q: Is photography allowed?
A: Photographs may be taken before or after the baptism. We ask you to refrain from flash photography during the Mass for the comfort of the baby, and so as not to distract from the sacred liturgy. We also ask that no one leaves their pew for photographs during the mass. Please inform your guests of the photography guidelines, as well.
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Q: How is Baptism celebrated in regard to the age of my child?
A: The Catholic Church celebrates Baptism in two different ways. One, the Rite of Baptism for Children, is for newborn infants and for children who have not yet reached the age of discernment, or catechetical age (around age seven). Newborn infants should generally be baptized within the first few months after birth.
If your child is of catechetical age (around age seven), he or she should celebrate Baptism as part of the other form of Catholic Baptism, Christian Initiation of Adults, adapted for Children. This process provides a period of age-appropriate religious education giving the child a basic understanding of the Catholic Faith, including the Eucharist & Confirmation. Children participating in this program celebrate the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist in one celebration at the Easter Vigil. Click here for more information or (link to RCIA/Becoming Catholic) or contact the Parish Office, 891-9259 or parishoffice@holyfamilycaledonia.org for more information.
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Q: What is a Baptism Name?
A: The Baptism Rite begins with a simple question, “What name do you give your child?” Our names become the main symbols of who we are. The Catholic Church has a tradition of naming children after saints or virtues. Today, the law is different. The church simply asks that any name not be foreign to Christian mentality.
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Q: In cases of adoption, what should I know?
A: In the case of children who are in the process of being adopted, the Baptism may be celebrated with the consent of the biological parents. Otherwise, the Baptism is to be postponed until after the adoption has been finalized, except in danger of death. Foster parents do not have the authority to present a foster child for Baptism.
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Q: Is it required to attend a Baptism preparation class?
A: A class is provided for parents to prepare them for the Baptism of their child. It may sound like an evening you would rather avoid, but go! You will have a chance to meet other people like you, raising children in a complicated world and wanting to do the best they can. The class is required for parents not having attended a class in the last two years. Godparents are welcome and encouraged to attend, but it is not required. Parents are encouraged to attend while awaiting the baby’s birth. Pre-registration for the class is required via the Baptism Application form found here.
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Q: How are Baptismal records kept?
A: After the Baptism, he information will be recorded in the parish Baptism register. Your child’s permanent record will always be kept at this parish. Before your child’s entry to Catholic school, Confirmation, Marriage, Communion, Religious Profession, or ordination in years to come, you will be asked for an updated copy of the Baptismal Certificate. It will always be issued from this parish. The information about your child’s sacramental life – where those events may happen – will always be recorded here at Holy Family Parish, as well.
We strongly encourage you to safely keep sacramental certificates for future needs, as well, in case there would ever be a need to verify a sacrament.
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Q: What are the expectations for Mass attendance?
A: Some parents hesitate to request a Baptism because they do not regularly attend Mass or support the local parish. If this is you, you may want to evaluate the reasons you are seeking Baptism for your child. Is it for tradition? Is it an expectation within your family? Is it as social obligation? Or is it a desire to share the life of Christ with your child? Holy Family Parish openly welcomes all to become part of our parish family and to share in that life of Christ. If you are not registered in the parish, or you feel you’ve been away and would like to grow in your faith and in the Church, you may wish to meet with a member of the parish staff, which will give both an opportunity to assess needs and discuss our faith and the unique responsibility to share it with the child God has entrusted to you.
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Q: What is my Parental Obligation in Baptism?
A: Parents who present a child for baptism should be active in the practice of their faith. Parents are taking on the obligation of raising their children in the Catholic faith; this involves a serious commitment to regular worship on Sunday, and supporting the parish through stewardship of time, talent and treasure. Such a commitment provides reasonable assurance that the child to be baptized will be raised in the faith. If you have recently moved into Holy Family Parish and are now registering, a letter from the pastor of your previous parish stating that you were registered and practicing is requested. Your marriage is also a tremendous example to your children. If you were married outside the Church, please speak to one of our priests to learn about the possibility of having your marriage convalidated by the Church. (This is not a requirement for presenting your child for baptism.)
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Q: Who will be the Clergy for Baptism?
A: The Celebrant of the Baptism of your child will be the priest scheduled for that particular mass. If you would like to invite a priest or deacon family member or friend to be a part of your child’s baptism, please contact the Parish Office, 891-9259 or parishoffice@holyfamilycaledonia.org for more information. Clergy from outside the Diocese of Grand Rapids MI must complete and mail to the parish the diocesan confirmation granting permission to celebrate the Sacrament of Baptism within the diocese. Clergy from outside the diocese and Holy Family Parish must obtain direct permission from the pastor. (Clergy = ordained minister of the Roman Catholic Church with faculties to celebrate the Church’s sacraments.)
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Q: What symbols of Baptism do I need to provide?
A: The church provides the baptismal candle and white garment during the Baptismal Rite, as well as the Holy Oils and Holy Water.