Baptism

You may be awaiting the birth of your child, have a newborn, or have a child who is several months old.  No matter the stage of parenting you are currently in, you have been entrusted with a great gift from God.  In your role as parent, you will serve as the first and most influential teacher of your child's faith (among other things). St. George seeks to help you in this role through weekly celebration of the Mass and offering the Sacrament of Baptism. Baptism is “the basis of the whole Christian life, the gateway to life in the Spirit, and the door which gives access to the other sacraments” [Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1213].

Baptismal Process

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• Complete the Baptismal Preparation Form by selecting Schedule Now in the sidebar. Or, call the Parish Office and schedule the baptism with the Sacrament Coordinator.
• Attend the Baptismal preparation seminar prior to the baptism. The seminar is waived for those who attended a seminar at St. George within the last five years.
• Select godparents according to the guidelines of the Catholic Church. Godparents are expected to participate in the Baptism preparation program at St. George or in their home parish.

Types of Baptism

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Parents may choose to have their child baptized by immersion or infusion (pouring).  Baptism by immersion involves immersing the unclothed infant into the clean and heated baptismal fountain by the priest or deacon.  The celebrant places one hand under the child's bottom and the other under the child's head, and lowers the infant three times while reciting the formula.  The infant's head will touch the water, but their face will not be completely submerged.  Some believe baptism by immersion is the fuller and more expressive sign of the sacrament of baptism and, therefore, is preferred.  If you have never witnessed baptism by immersion, you might be surprised at how breathtakingly beautiful it is. (Please be aware that we are not performing immersion at this time.)

Baptism by infusion involves the pouring of water three times over the infants forehead by the priest or deacon while they recite the formula. Due to practicality, preference, or tradition, some parents choose this type of baptism for their child.  No matter which type you choose, this sacrament of baptism pardons all our sins, rescues us from the power of darkness, and brings us to the dignity of adopted children, a new creation through water and the Holy Spirit.  Hence we are all called and are indeed the children of God.
 

Godparent Eligibility

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Godparents play a vital role in the faith of a child.  A godparent is a fully initiated Catholic who is in good standing with the church and is over the age of 16.  Any Catholic godparent must be Baptized Catholic, Confirmed in the Catholic faith, and if married, married in the Sacrament of Marriage in a Catholic Church or has had a convalidation. The godparent(s) represents the Catholic Church at Baptism and serves as a role model throughout the child’s life by living a fully Christian life.  

There are usually two godparents, but only one is required.  As per Canon Law, only one godparent can be male and one female. If the second person is not a Catholic, they can serve as a Christian witness.  They must have been baptized in another denomination - they cannot be a baptized Catholic who is not practicing the Catholic faith. While this person is referred to as a Christian Witness, his/her role in the rite of Baptism is the same as the Catholic godparent. Godparents/witnesses must complete and return the Sponsor Eligibility Form (see sidebar), at least three weeks before the baptism.  Without this form we will not be able to allow the desired person to serve in either of these roles.

Baptism Seminar

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The liturgy of Baptism invites you to think about the hopes and dreams you have for your child and the values you want to communicate to him or her in everyday life.  These hopes, dreams, and values are expressed in the choices you make as a parent, the traditions you foster in your family, and the habits and interests you cultivate in your child.  This rite, or set of ritual actions, celebrates the beginning of your child's life as a child of God and member of the Church.  It affirms your own commitment to the faith and your promise to be your child's first catechist, being the first to hand on the faith to him or her by your Christian example.  It also affirms the church's commitment to offer you and your child support in each of your roles. 

St. George offers a preparation process to all families planning a baptism here in order to help you better understand the sacrament and rite of Baptism and your parent role in the faith life of your child.  The Baptismal Seminar is required for all parents and godparents, whom we strongly encourage to attend.  Parents and Godparents who have attended a class within the past five years are exempt. The seminars are held virtually at this time.

Our Baptismal Seminars are virtual at this time and offered only for registered St. George parishioners or for those taking part in a Baptism held at St. George.
(Please contact Liz to request a Baptismal Seminar.)

 

Requirements

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Parents who desire to have their children baptized need to be aware of the following requirements:

• The parents must be registered members of St. George Parish.
• Baptism is a community celebration in our parish. Baptisms are celebrated once a month alternating each month to be held either during a para-liturgical celebration Mass or after Mass.
• No Baptisms are performed during Lent.
• Private Baptisms are allowed only under extreme circumstances and are celebrated only by Deacons.
• Parents with children ages 0 to 6 can have their child baptized through the traditional baptismal service.
• Parents who have a child(ren) between the ages of seven to seventeen who are not baptized are encouraged to learn more about the process of RCIA Adapted for Children.  Adults interested in baptism should see the process of RCIA for Adults.