Baptism

Preparation for Baptism and Christian instruction are of the highest concern for the People of God. Parents are bound by obligation to ensure that infants are baptized within the first weeks after birth. This may be broadly interpreted to allow adequate time for preparation for Baptism and arrangements for its celebration. The health of the mother must also be considered so that, as much as possible, she herself may be present.

Parents, as the primary educators in the faith of their children, must be the ones to initiate the scheduling of a Baptism, and ultimately, the ones to present the child for the Sacrament. The marital status of parents does not hinder or prevent Baptism for the child; however, there must be a reasonable hope that the child will be raised in the practice of the faith.

At St. Noel, first-time parents are asked to participate in an evening of preparatory instruction (often, the first Tuesday of the month at 6:00 pm), to further understand the Sacrament and their commitment.

Although Baptism may be celebrated on any day, it is commendable to celebrate it ordinarily on Sundays. On Sunday, baptism may be celebrated during Mass so that the entire community may be present and the relationship between Baptism and Eucharist may be clearly seen. Since Baptism is an incorporation into the Church, it is an ecclesial event, not a private family celebration. Therefore, it ordinarily must take place in church, especially in one’s own parish.

Baptism at St. Noel may be celebrated at the 5:00 pm Saturday Vigil, or at either celebration on Sunday at 9:00 am or 11:00 am. Baptisms without Mass may be scheduled following the 11:00 am Mass.

In infant Baptism, the godparents, with the parents, present the child for Baptism. The godparent’s duty is not only to be present for the celebration of the Sacrament, but is prepared to commit to a lifelong responsibility in helping the baptized lead a Christian life in harmony with Baptism and to fulfill faithfully the obligations connected with it.

To be admitted to the role of godparent, one must: 

1. Be at least sixteen years of age; 
2. Be a Catholic who has received the Sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist; 
3. Be leading a life of faith in harmony with the duty undertaken; and 
4. Not be the father or mother of the one to be baptized (grandparents may serve as godparents).

Only one godparent is required. If two are desired, one man (godfather) and one woman (godmother) are chosen by the parents. He or she should be active parishioners and registered at a parish, from which they would receive a Sponsor Certificate. If he or she has been away from the practice of faith, this is an opportunity to reconsider one’s relationship to the Church. In making a return, one can better prepare themselves to help the parents of the child in their responsibility of raising their child in the faith. For all Christians, the continuous process of deepening one’s relationship with Jesus Christ lasts from infancy through old age and does not end with the reception of the Sacraments during childhood and young adult life.

Christian Witness

A baptized person belonging to a non-Catholic ecclesial community may be admitted as a witness to Baptism, but only along with a Catholic godparent who meets the requirements.

The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) is intended for children, unbaptized as infants, who have reached the age of reason and are of catechetical age. These children are in the age range of about seven to thirteen. Their preparation ordinarily culminates in their reception of all three Sacraments of Initiation at the Easter Vigil: Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist.