Congratulations! You may be awaiting the birth of your child, have a newborn, or have a child who is several months old. No matter the stage of parenting you are currently in, you have been entrusted with a great gift from God. In your role as a parent, you will serve as the first and most influential teacher of your child’s faith (among other things). We look forward to helping you in this role through the Sacrament of Baptism.
Baptism is the first sacrament celebrated in the process of becoming a full member of the Catholic Church. The waters of baptism symbolize life and death, washing and cleansing, and the mystery of new life out of death. At the baptism of a child (or any person), we celebrate and reflect on God’s unconditional love and welcome him or her into our faith.
Advance Notice: At Our Lady of the Rosary, parents requesting Baptism for their child must call the Parish Office two months prior to the desired month of Baptism. There are no Baptisms during Lent or Advent.
Godparents: When a child or an adult is baptized, he or she must have at least one godparent or sponsor (the terms are interchangeable). It is customary for children to have two godparents. When there are two, one must be male and the other female. Godparents must meet all of the following criteria, which are established by Canan Law and do not vary from place to place. Godparents must:
- be Catholic
- have been baptized, confirmed and received Communion
- be 16 or older
- must be living a life consistent with their own baptismal vows.