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Welcome!
The staff and people of St. Catherine Parish warmly welcome you as you prepare for your child’s for baptism. Every parent is encouraged to reflect on the importance of the Sacrament of Baptism, and we want to assist you in this process. For this purpose, priests and members of the parish will guide you through the formal process. Before setting a date of baptism, we ask that you read through this pamphlet and follow the process as presented. We would like to thank you in advance for your cooperation, and we hope that your child’s baptism will be an experience of renewal and fulfillment for your family and the entire Christian community.
Why Baptize our child?
The celebration of infant baptism has been the practice of the church for many centuries. In the same way, parents who baptize infants base their decision on their experience of faith and reason. In order for a sacrament to be valid, sacraments must be received in freedom. Parents who seek to have their chid baptized do so in the freedom of faith they once received in their own baptism and for the reason of raising their child as a Roman Catholic.
Our understanding of baptism is twofold. Before you bring your child to the church for baptism, we recognize that he or she is already a child of God. Baptism marks the beginning of the child’s new life in Christ as God’s own child. As such, we ritualize or “make real” what we already believe about the child and we actualize the rebirth which we receive through our baptism in Christ Jesus.
It is important for parents to recognize that they are the primary teachers of their children in the ways of the faith. They form the domestic church and therefore are witnesses of the gospel to their children by the way they live their lives. A child will learn about the gospel of Jesus from his or her parents first. Parents are encouraged to make this responsibility and privilege their special care.
How Do We Prepare for Our Child’s Baptism?
Interview
The interview is the first step in the process. During the interview the priest will assess your readiness to baptize your child and answer any questions you have. You may then arrange for a date of baptism and sign up for the classes. Baptisms at St. Catherine take place every second and forth Sundays of the month. The exception to this rule are Sundays which occur during the season of Lent. We observe the solemnity of this season and postpone baptisms until after Easter Sunday. Also, you will be instructed to complete a form which gives us basic information in order to record the baptism. Here also you will review a basic understanding of Baptism.
First Session
Parents are expected to attend two instructions. The first instruction takes place at the parish. This session is held every second Monday of the month in the Milani Center at 7:30pm. At this orientation, you can arrange for the second session.
Second Session
The second instruction is held at the home of a parishioner. Here you will view a video presentation and have an informal discussion on baptism.
** Please note if you are attending pre-baptism catechetical sessions at St. Catherine but will be baptizing elsewhere, there is a $20 processing fee per person.
What Happens on the Day of Baptism?
Baptisms are celebrated at 2:00pm on the second and fourth Sunday of every month as already indicated and unless otherwise noted. Please arrive 15 minutes early. Choose a pew in the middle section of the church when you and your family arrive. Parents sit closest to the center aisle with godparents and other family members to fill in the rest of the pew. If there are more family members than there is space in one pew, please ask them sit in the pew directly behind parents and godparents.
What about the Godparents?
Sponsors (Godparents) should be a least 16 years of age, confirmed and participating in the worship and life of the Church. Sponsors are witnesses to the faith and the actual event of baptism. One godparent is necessary and not more than two will be recorded as witnesses. Sponsors are encouraged to attend the instructions offered for baptismal preparation and the rite of welcome. Out of parish sponsors may attend baptismal preparation at their own parish or the parish of their choice.
How do we make a Donation?
A donation is not required but does reflect a commitment to responsible Christian stewardship. A suggested donation of $80.00 is greatly appreciated. You can give the donation on the day of the interview. |
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| Maria Dominguez |
| office@stca.org |
| (408) 779-3959 ext. 270 |
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