"Baptism is the best gift we have received. Through it, we belong to God and we possess the joy of salvation." -Pope Francis

To a group of families gathered for the sacrament of baptism, Pope Francis once said the following, "This is your task throughout your lives: to guard the Christian identity of your children.... It is a daily commitment: Help them grow with the light they receive today." (Pope Francis - Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, January 9th 2022)

Truly, parents are the first teachers of the faith, and the Church prays that they are the best of teachers. On the day of baptism, the parents of the child make a public promise to God. They take up the great duty and responsibility of raising the child in the practice of the faith. In all the challenges of day to day life, the parents have the opportunity to show their children that they have God to rely on, that God wants to call us friends, and provide the support of his grace. 

This lived example of the practice of the faith includes participation at Sunday Mass each week and on Holy Days, a love of the sacraments of the Church. It also may include participation in the events of our faith community. 

If you've been away from the faith for some time, please know that you are welcome here. Like the father figure in the Parable of the Prodigal Son, Jesus waits for us with great anticipation. The baptism of a child can be a great moment of pause, and an occasion to renew our practice of the faith and friendship with Christ. For those that have been away from the practice of the faith, our parish will allow for a time of renewal prior to scheduling a baptism. 

This will give the parents a time to reconnect with their faith, and ensure they feel they can make this promise to God confidently. 

Godparents play an essential role in the life of the baptized, going far beyond a ceremonial function. At every step of the Rite of Baptism, the godparents are asked to support the parents in their duty as Christen parents. Entrusted with the light of Christ, they are told to keep it burning brightly. 

They join the parents of the child to teach the faith by the example of their lives, and sharing the lessons they have learned. Being asked to take on the responsibility of a sponsor is a extraordinary opportunity and responsibility. 

The Church requires that all those wishing to take on the role of a godparent to present a sponsor certificate. This certificate testifies that the sponsor attends Mass weekly, has received the sacrament of confirmation, and if married, is married sacramentally in the Church. If you are a member of a different parish, this sponsor certificate can be obtained by contacting your parish priest. 

If you've been away from the practice of the faith for some time, we are ready to welcome you back! Speaking of the Church, St. Paul reminds us that "If one part suffers, all the parts suffer with it; if one part is honored, all the parts share its joy." (1 Corinthians 12:26) The Church desires that all come together as one. We are here to help you to return to the practice of the faith. Please contact our office for more information about Mass times and parish events. 

Once the parents and godparents have produced the necessary sponsor certificates, and feel confident that they can make their promises to God, they will move to the next step of preparation. 

You will be invited to a baptism preparation class. Our parish utilizes the baptismal preparation program offered by Dynamic Catholic. This program, titled Starting Point, provides materials to help the parents prepare for their vocation, to think about the bigger questions of life, to see what God has in store for their child, a purpose unique to them and them alone. 

Upon completion of the baptismal prep, the baptism will be scheduled in the parish calendar.