The Sacrament of Baptism is the foundation of the Sacramental life of the Church. In this sacrament, we are cleansed from sin and are reborn of water and the Holy Spirit, and are incorporated into the Body of Christ. (See the Catechism of the Catholic Church1213-1284.) We live out the promises we make at our baptism by regularly practicing our faith. It is therefore important that you and the baptismal sponsor(s) pray and reflect about the raising of your child in the Catholic faith.
Requirements for Parents:
One parent must be a Baptized Catholic. If neither parent is baptized, please speak to the parish staff to determine if an exception applies (for example a parent is a candidate for initiation).
If you live within the parish boundaries of the St. Anthony's parish or are a registered member of the St. Anthony's parish then there are no further permissions necessary. Here is a MAPof our parish boundaries. All the territory within this area is St. Anthony’s parish:
If you (a) do not live within the boundaries AND (b) are not registered as a St. Anthony's parishioner, then you need to obtain permission from your pastor. Contact your own parish pastor to obtain his permission for this. Permission can be granted by your pastor by letter or by telephoning St. Anthony's office.
Requirements for Godparents/Sponsors:
Only one sponsor/godparent is required. If two are chosen, one of each gender must be selected. To be qualified to serve as a godparent, a person must:
Be a Catholic who has received Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation (Sacraments of Initiation).
Live a life of faith befitting the role of godparent.
If the godparent is married, the marriage must be a marriage recognized by the Roman Catholic Church as valid. St. Anthony's staff can assist you if you have any doubts about this.
Be older than 16 years.
Not be the mother or father of the child.
Sign the “Covenant Form” (available from the parish office).
Have attended a baptismal preparation program. If the sponsor is not a St. Anthony's parishioner, they may attend a course at their home parish. A letter is required from the parish/pastor to confirm attendance and being in good standing. If this is the case, please check with your home parish for their requirements to be sponsors.
Because the sponsors are required to help the child live out the Catholic faith, non-Catholics are not permitted to be sponsors. If a family wishes to have a non-Catholic participate in the Rite, it is required that the person be a baptized Christian and can be designated as a Christian witness. He/she will be recorded as “Christian witness” in the official records. The Christian witness is asked to provide a copy of their baptismal record or give a written statement attesting to their baptism and that they strive to live their Christian faith. They are welcome, but not required to attend the baptismal preparation class. A person who has left the Catholic Church (ex-Catholic) cannot serve as a Christian witness.
Steps in Preparation
Parents:
Child’s birth record: Obtain a copy of the child’s original birth certificate. (A verified hospital certificate may be acceptable – please call the office.) This is needed to prepare the baptismal certificate. You will need to give the St. Anthony's parish a copy. Adoption forms are required for adopted children. (If you child is 7 years or older, they are to enter into a different process for baptism, please call the office for more information).
Godparents: You may choose 1 or 2 godparents/sponsors. See above for their qualifications.
Class: Register and attend a baptismal preparation class. Classes are held the second Thursday of each month at 6:00PM. Please call the church office to register for the class in advance. Parents are required to attend a class unless granted an exception by the pastor.
Book the Ceremony: Schedule your date of Baptism. This is done through speaking with a member of St. Anthony's staff. All paper work must be completed prior to confirming your date. This is particularly important for families arranging out of town guests.
Attend the Ceremony: On the date of the Baptism, please arrive and attend the 10:00AM Mass.
Godparents (Sponsors):
Qualifications: Make sure you meet the qualifications to be a godparent (See above).
Class: Register and attend a baptismal preparation class. Godparents are required to attend a class unless granted an exception by the pastor.
Covenant Form: Sign and return the Covenant Form.
Attend the Ceremony: On the date of the Baptism, please arrive and attend the 10:00AM Mass. If the godparents cannot attend the actual Baptism ceremony, proxies may be used.