Sacrament Of Baptism
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“Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit . . . And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.” (Mt. 28: 19-20).
Baptism is the first sacrament and the gateway to life in the Spirit. Each of the other sacraments builds on the grace of Baptism. Through Baptism, a person becomes a member of the Church and a disciple of Jesus. Original sin is cleansed and the person gains the promise of eternal life in Christ. Baptism is celebrated only once in a person’s lifetime.
Welcoming each new member is the responsibility of all those who have been baptized. Baptism can be celebrated during Sunday Mass, allowing the entire parish community to rejoice in the arrival of new life in the family and in the Church. Baptism can also be celebrated outside of Mass. Baptism connects us —for life—to the worldwide Christian family.
First time parents are asked to participate in a Preparation for Baptism Class at their local parish as they prepare to welcome their child into the Catholic faith.
Godparents have the privileged role of assisting parents to nurture the child’s faith from childhood though maturity. According to Canon Law (#872-874):
- A godparent must be at least sixteen years of age
- Be fully initiated into the faith (i.e. has received the sacraments of initiation: Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist).
- He or she should lead a life of faith in harmony with the duty undertaken.
- The godparent may not be one of the parents of the child being baptized.
- One godparent is required for Baptism and a maximum of two can participate in the ritual and be recorded in the baptismal record.
- Only one Catholic godparent is required.
Children aged seven and older are prepared for Baptism through the parish-based Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (with adaptations for children).