Holy Name Parish

Baptism

“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” MT 28

All of us at Holy Name Parish, particularly the Pastoral staff, Fr. George Carlson, Fr. Oscar Pratt and Fran Hauck, rejoice with you about the birth of your child. As you hold your little one in your arms, you may feel a combination of emotions you have never felt before: love, concern, vulnerability, wonder, fear, hope, pride, and a sense of wanting to give your child the very best in every way possible. And that includes passing along your family’s faith. Is not it impossible to fathom that the love you feel for your child is only a shadow of God’s love for us?

We welcome you and your little one to our parish family! We are happy and grateful that you have chosen Holy Name for your child's entrance into that faith which we have all professed. Your child’s baptism is a time for celebration and joy. We want to help you in every way we can at this time of Baptism and in the years ahead.

Sacrament
Baptism, like all the sacraments, is a gift from God, a source of grace that unites us to God and calls us to share fully that love with others. Because your child is too young to choose Baptism, you, as parents, choose Baptism for your child. Baptism makes the child a member of the Catholic faith.

Before Baptism
Parents are asked to contact the rectory either before, or as soon as possible after, the birth or adoption of their child to arrange for his/her baptism. Upon initial contact, one of the pastoral staff will call or meet with the family to obtain the necessary information for the Baptism.

Choosing Godparents
Although it is a great honor to be a godparent, it is more than an honor. A godparent is a trusted adult who will be a real and long-lasting help in the Christian formation of the child. 

*According to Canon 873, the requirements state that only one male or one female sponsor or one sponsor of each sex is to be a godparent.

*A Godparent is required to be at least 16 years old, confirmed and a practicing Catholic who leads a life in harmony with the faith and the role to be undertaken.

*The godparent cannot be the father or mother of the one to be baptized.

*A baptized person who belongs to a non-Catholic Christian community cannot be a godparent but may be a “Christian Witness” as long as the other godparent is a Catholic who fulfills the above requirements.

While there are many wonderful people of good character who might make wonderful godparents, one must be a baptized Christian to fulfill this role.

During infant Baptism, godparents are asked if they will help the parents in their duty as Christian parents. They are invited to renew their baptismal vows and assist in lighting the child's candle.

Godparents are invited to the Baptism Preparation session. Throughout life, Godparents will pray for their Godchild and continue to share their faith with them.

Baptism Preparation Session
Holy Name Parish has a one-morning Baptism Preparation Session which takes place on the second Saturday of each month from 9:30-11:00am in the rectory. All Parents and Godparents are expected to attend this program.

This preparation program helps prepare you for the Baptism of your child by explaining the sacrament. It is also an opportunity to meet other families who are having their children baptized.

Members of the Baptism Team, parishioners who have young families, encourage introductions of members, discuss the symbols of Baptism, explain how Baptism is celebrated in our parish, and encourage the sharing of stories.

Parents and Godparents may attend any session prior to the child’s Baptism. Of course, the babies are always welcome.

The Baptism Ceremony
Baptism generally takes place on the third Sunday of the month at 2:00pm in the upper church.

We ask that you arrive at least five minutes prior to the starting time. Parents, godparents, and children to be baptized are invited to sit in an assigned pew; additional family members can fill in that seat or sit anywhere in the church.

Encourage your family members to be present for the Baptism (not just the party afterwards) and participate as fully as possible.

Fee
There is no fee to receive the Sacrament of Baptism.

Continuing Rituals
Parents, bless your children each and every day–not only when they sneeze! Make that a part of their bedtime ritual. Beginning at an early age, share meals with your children, pray with them each day, and bring them to Sunday Liturgy. These experiences will form the lasting memories of their childhood that will endure long after they are grown and on their own.

To arrange a baptism, please email the following:
  Baby’s Name
  Mother’s Name
  Father’s Name
  Address
  CityStateZip
  Telephone
  Month requested for Baptism