Baptism
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Door of the Church
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The Sacrament of Baptism is often called "The door of the Church" because it is the first of the seven sacraments not only in time (since most Catholics receive it as infants) but in priority, since the reception of the other sacraments depends on it. It is the first of the three Sacraments of Initiation, the other two being the Sacrament of Confirmation and the Sacrament of Holy Eucharist. Once baptized, a person becomes a member of the Church. Traditionally, the rite (or ceremony) of baptism was held outside the doors of the main part of the church, to signify this fact.
Necessity of Baptism
Christ Himself ordered His disciples to preach the Gospel to all nations and to baptize those who accept the message of the Gospel. In His encounter with Nicodemus (John 3:1-21), Christ made it clear that baptism was necessary for salvation: "Amen, amen I say to thee, unless a man be born again of water and the Holy Ghost, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God."
For Catholics, the sacrament is not a mere formality; it is the very mark of a Christian, because it brings us into new life in Christ.
Effects of the Sacrament of Baptism
Baptism has six primary effects, which are all supernatural graces:
1. The removal of the guilt of both Original Sin (the sin imparted to all mankind by the Fall of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden) and personal sin (the sins that we have committed ourselves).
2. The remission of all punishment that we owe because of sin, both temporal (in this world and in Purgatory) and eternal (the punishment that we would suffer in hell).
3. The infusion of grace in the form of sanctifying grace (the life of God within us); the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit; and the three theological virtues.
4. Becoming a part of Christ.
5. Becoming a part of the Church, which is the Mystical Body of Christ on earth.
6. Enabling participation in the sacraments, the priesthood of all believers, and the growth in grace.
Biblical references: Acts 2:38-39; Acts 22:16; 1 Peter 3:21; John 3:5; Matt 19:14; Luke 18:15-16; Col 2:11-12; Rom 6:13; Acts 16:15; Acts 16:33; 1 Cor 1:16; Mark 16:16;Rom 5:18-19; Mark 10:14; Jos 24:15; Matt 8:5ff; Matt 15:21ff
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Receiving the Sacrament of Baptism
Completion of a Baptism Preparation Class, offered several times throughout the year, is required before a baptism can be scheduled. Also, parents who have not participated in a Baptismal Preparation Class within the past four years are required to participate prior to the baptism of their next child. Please see the bulletin or the Adult Formation page for announcements pertaining to the class schedule and registration. Arrangements for having a baptism must be made through the parish office in advance. To schedule, please call the Parish Administrative Office at 724.775.6363 ext. 101.
In addition, please download the Godparent & Sponsor Guidelines document and read it prior to attending this class as well as selecting anyone as a godparent.
Adoption and Baptism
In the case of children who are in the process of being adopted, the sacrament of baptism may be celebrated with the consent of the natural parents; otherwise, 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.
Choosing Godparents
One of the most important issues before baptism is the choice of godparents for your child. You are required to have only one godparent. Normally, there are two godparents, in which case, one is to be male and one to be female. Careful consideration should be given to choosing godparents as they must meet certain qualifications set forth by laws of the Catholic Church.
Canon #874 of the Code of Canon Law states: “To be admitted to undertake the office of sponsor (for baptism), a person must:- Be a role model for living the Catholic Faith
- Be appointed by the parents and must have the intention of performing this role
- Be at least sixteen years of age
- Be a Catholic who has been confirmed and has already received the blessed Eucharist and who lives a life of faith which befits the role to be undertaken (attendance at Mass regularly)
- Not labor under a canonical penalty… (being in an invalid marriage or living together) and not in a valid marriage
- Not be either the father or the mother of the child
Please save embarrassment for all concerned by NOT choosing a godparent who does not fulfill the above requirements. In view of these guidelines, the pastor of the designated godparent is normally responsible for determining these qualifications. If you choose a godparent who is a member of a parish other than Mary, Queen of Saints Parish, he/she must obtain a letter of eligibility from the pastor of his/her parish. This original letter is to be delivered to the parish office at least two weeks prior to the baptismal date. Faxes, photocopies, and emails will not be accepted.
A baptized person who belongs to some other non-Catholic community may be asked to serve not as a godparent but as a Christian witness, as long as a Catholic godparent is also chosen. Catholics who have abandoned the Faith may not act as a Christian witness or godparent.
The Church does make accommodations for a godparent who, for good cause, is not able to be present at the ceremony. A proxy may be chosen to stand-in for the godparent at the ceremony.
Baptismal Record
After the baptism, the information will be recorded in the parish Baptismal Register. Before your child's entry to Catholic school or religious profession; reception of the sacraments of confirmation, marriage, or ordination in years to come, you will be asked for an updated copy of the baptismal Information.
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Documents & Forms
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Baptism
This video presentation is meant to help one understand how Jesus washes us of Original Sin and makes us adopted children of the Father, how Baptism was prefigured in the Old Testament, and why it is necessary for salvation. It also demonstrates the way Baptism makes the baptized a member of the Church, forming bonds of Christian unity and imprinting an indelible mark on the soul.
(The video is part of a service from the Sophia Intstitute for Teachers.)
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