OLM Infant Baptism

Celebrating Infant Baptism at Our Lady of Mercy Parish

[Adults interested in joining the Church should check RCIA area]

Before Jesus ascended, he told his disciples, "Go, therefore, make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Teach them everything I have commanded you. Know that I am with you until the end of days." [Matthew 28:19ff] From that moment, the Church has welcomed new members into its family through Baptism. For almost 2,000 years, people like the original disciples have made the choice to follow Christ and hand on the Faith. As parents bringing your children to this sacrament, you are continuing in this awesome tradition. This undertaking means that you take seriously your own Faith and its practice. It means that you not only value the day of Baptism but the whole process that it involves. You are the TEACHERS that Jesus wants. You are the presence of the Risen Lord for your children first of all. They can see any and every believer in Church, in School, in the media but if you do not give them the example, they will not be able to make Faith personal. If we, the Church and parents, hand on this Faith to our children, hopefully, they will do the same. This will help continue the Lord's commission into the Third Millennium.

CELEBRATING BAPTISM

The Preparation

At our parish, parents are asked to attend a meeting with other parent[s] preparing for the Sacrament. This preparation is not only about the Sacrament of Baptism but also connects families with new born infants together to help build up our community. Since the preparation meeting is oriented toward parent[s] and godparent[s], we ask that you do not bring your infant or child. Meetings are held monthly one evening at the beginning of the month. Please make your arrangements well in advance of the date you would like to celebrate the Sacrament.

The Scheduling of Baptism

We celebrate the Sacrament each Sunday after the final Mass of the day at Our Lady of Mercy. The option of choosing to celebrate your baptism at one of the weekend Masses is also a possibility. There is NO SUCH thing as PRIVATE BAPTISM. A Sacrament of the Church and demands a community that is wider than the immediate family. do NOT request this.

The Celebration

There is an opportunity for families celebrating this Sacrament to have an active part in the celebration. This means that you and your guests are encouraged to participate and not simply observe. You may talk with the parish minister about readings, responses, music and other community parts of this celebration.

The Symbols

White Garment

This symbol may be worn to the ceremony or brought and put on the child at the appropriate time of the celebration.

Baptismal Candle

Families may bring a baptismal candle for the CHILD and this may be decorated by family or godparents. A simple taper candle is suggested. The parish will supply this if you choose. Bringing your own is a wonderful to way if you have other children to involve them in the preparation for the celebration.

Godparents

Since this role is one of support in the Faith it is the policy of the Church that one of the chosen godparents MUST BE A BAPTIZED, PRACTICING CATHOLIC. This only makes sense and the choice of others for this support does not make sense if they are not practicing Catholics themselves.

The Offering

Since this is a special event for the family as well as the parish, a donation to the parish community and priest celebrating the Sacrament is expected. The usual donation is $40.00. Many godparents see this as an opportunity to assist the parent[s] in this way. An envelope will be provided at the time of celebration. Non-parishioners are asked a donation of $60.00.

Discussion Questions for Family Discussion and Parish Preparation

What are some of the responsibilities parents and godparents assume after the baby is baptized?

What do the symbols of Baptism mean?

WATER OIL WHITE GARMENT CANDLE

Why do we ask to have our infants Baptized?

How can the parents' parish community create a Christian atmosphere for the child as they grow?

What things might you do as a FAMILY to foster the growth of the Faith in your home?

How will godparents, or if you are going to be a godparent, do for the child and FAMILY?

FOR MORE INFORMATION or to request a contact for the celebration of this sacrament, select Feedback below or send us mail.

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