Baptism
Dear parents and godparents: Your families have experienced great joy at the birth of your children, and the Church shares your happiness. Today this joy has brought you to the Church to give thanks to God for the gift of your children and to celebrate a new birth in the waters of Baptism. Therefore, brothers and sisters, let us now prepare ourselves to participate in this celebration, listening to God’s Word, praying for these children and their families, and renewing our commitment to the Lord and to his people.”(From the liturgy of Baptism)
THE CELEBRATION OF BAPTISM
PREAMBLE
Can. 849 Baptism, the gateway to the sacraments and necessary for salvation. […] Through baptism men and women are freed from sin, are reborn as children of God, and, configured to Christ by an indelible character, are incorporated into the Church.
BAPTISM REQUIREMENTS
1. Parents, planning to have their children baptized at St. Paschal Baylon Church, must be parishioners by location (live within the boundaries of our Parish) or by regular participation in our Eucharistic celebrations. Outsiders need to provide a letter of permission from their pastors.
2. At least one of the parents must be Roman Catholic and provide a baptism certificate to prove it.
3. At the time of registration, the child’s birth certificate must be presented. Please note: only the parent/s name/s as recorded in the birth certificate will be recorded in the baptism certificate.
4. Parents and Godparents must attend the baptismal preparation class prior to the baptism ceremony.
GODPARENTS/SPONSORS (Canon Law # 872-874)
Can. 872 Insofar as possible, a person to be baptized is to be given a sponsor who assists an adult in Christian initiation or together with the parents presents an infant for baptism. A sponsor also helps the baptized person to lead a Christian life in keeping with baptism and to fulfill faithfully the obligations inherent in it. Can. 873 There is to be only one male sponsor or one female sponsor or one of each.
Canon 874 §1 To be permitted to take on the function of sponsor a person must:
1. be designated by the one to be baptized, by the parents or the person who takes their place, or in their absence by the pastor or minister and have the aptitude and intention of fulfilling this function.
2. have completed the sixteenth year of age, unless the diocesan bishop has established another age, or the pastor or minister has granted an exception for a just cause.
3. be a Catholic who has been confirmed and has already received the most holy sacrament of the Eucharist and who leads a life of faith in keeping with the function to be taken on.
4. not be bound by any canonical penalty legitimately imposed or declared.
5. not be the father or mother of the one to be baptized.
§2. A baptized person who belongs to a non-Catholic ecclesial community is not to participate except together with a Catholic sponsor and then only as a witness of the baptism.
IL SACRAMENTO DEL BATTESIMO
Cari genitori, padrini e madrine, le vostre famiglie hanno provato una grande gioia per la nascita di questi bambini, e la Chiesa condivide questa vostra gioia. Oggi siete venuti in chiesa per rendere grazie a Dio per il dono dei vostri figli e per celebrare una nuova nascita nelle acque del Battesimo. Perciò, fratelli e sorelle, prepariamoci a partecipare a questa celebrazione, ascoltando la Parola di Dio, pregando per questi bambini e le loro famiglie, e rinnovando il nostro impegno verso il Signore e il suo popolo. (Dalla liturgia del Battesimo)
LA CELEBRAZIONE DEL BATTESIMO
PREAMBOLO
Il santo Battesimo è il fondamento di tutta la vita cristiana, il vestibolo d’ingresso alla vita nello Spirito, e la porta che apre l’accesso agli altri sacramenti. Mediante il Battesimo siamo liberati dal peccato e rigenerati come figli di Dio, diventiamo membra di Cristo; siamo incorporati alla Chiesa e resi partecipi della sua missione:4 « Baptismus est sacramentum regenerationis per aquam in verbo – Il Battesimo può definirsi il sacramento della rigenerazione cristiana mediante l’acqua e la parola. (Catechismo della Chiesa Cattolica nº 1213)
REQUISITI PER IL BATTESIMO
1. I genitori che intendono battezzare i propri figli nella chiesa di St. Paschal Baylon devono essere parrocchiani per abitazione, (vivere entro i confini della nostra parrocchia) o per partecipazione regolare alle nostre celebrazioni eucaristiche. Coloro che non sono parrocchiani, devono portare una lettera di autorizzazione dai loro parroci.
2. Almeno uno dei genitori deve essere cattolico e dimostralo con un certificato di battesimo.
3. Al momento della registrazione, deve essere presentato il certificato di nascita del bambino. Nota bene: solo il nome del/dei genitore/i come registrato/i nel certificato di nascita sarà/saranno registrati nel certificato di battesimo.
4. Prima della cerimonia, i genitori e padrini devono partecipare a un incontro di preparazione al battesimo.
PADRINO E MADRINA
Can. 872 – Al battezzando, per quanto è possibile, venga dato un padrino, il cui compito è assistere il battezzando adulto nell’iniziazione cristiana, e presentare al battesimo con i genitori il battezzando bambino e parimenti cooperare affinché il battezzato conduca una vita cristiana conforme al battesimo e adempia fedelmente gli obblighi ad esso inerenti.
Can. 873 – Si ammettano un solo padrino o una madrina soltanto, oppure un padrino e una madrina.
Can. 874 – §1. Perché uno possa essere ammesso all’incarico di padrino, è necessario che:
1) sia designato dallo stesso battezzando o dai suoi genitori o da chi ne fa le veci oppure, mancando questi, dal parroco o dal ministro e abbia l’attitudine e l’intenzione di esercitare questo incarico;
2) abbia compiuto i sedici anni, a meno che dal Vescovo diocesano non sia stata stabilita un’altra età, oppure al parroco o al ministro non sembri opportuno, per giusta causa, ammettere l’eccezione;
3) sia cattolico, abbia già ricevuto la confermazione e il santissimo sacramento dell’Eucaristia, e conduca una vita conforme alla fede e all’incarico che assume;
4) non sia irretito da alcuna pena canonica legittimamente inflitta o dichiarata;
5) non sia il padre o la madre del battezzando.
§2. Non venga ammesso un battezzato che appartenga ad una comunità ecclesiale non cattolica, se non insieme ad un padrino cattolico e soltanto come testimone del battesimo.
Baptism is one of the Seven Sacraments of the Catholic Church; frequently called the "first sacrament" as it is the gateway to the rest of the sacraments.
Through Baptism we are freed from sin and reborn as children of God; we become members of the mystical body of Christ, are incorporated into the Church and made sharers in her mission: "Baptism is the sacrament of regeneration through water in the word. (CCC: 1213)"
In the Western or Latin Church, Baptism is usually conferred by an authorized minister by pouring water three times on the recipient's head, while reciting the baptismal formula: "I baptize you in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit" (cf. Matthew 28:19).
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who may baptize?
The ordinary minister of Baptism is a bishop, priest, or deacon. In the case of an emergency, any person may baptize, even if not baptized him/herself. This person must intend what the Church intends, and baptize the child with water, using the Trinitarian formula: "I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit."
2. May a child be baptized if only one parent requests it?
The consent of at least one of the parents, or the person who lawfully takes their place, is required for the baptism of a child.
3. How long after the birth of a child should the Baptism take place?
As soon as possible after the birth: Parents are obliged to see to it that infants are baptized within the first weeks after birth. As soon as possible after the birth or even before it, parents are to go to the parish to request the sacrament for their child and to be prepared for it properly (Code of Canon Law, c. 867 § 1). An infant in danger of death is to be baptized without any delay (Code of Canon Law, c. 867 § 2). See question #1 above.
4. Can our child be baptized in a parish if we do not live within the parish boundaries?
Baptism, like all of the sacraments, is a celebration of a living relationship with God and with the local believing community, the parish. The sacraments are celebrations of our Church and, as such, are normally celebrated in the parish where the family resides or is registered and normally worships.
5. How do we arrange to have our child baptized in a parish other than the one where we normally worship?
If, for a good pastoral reason (for example, so extended family may attend), parents wish to have their child baptized in another parish, they need to approach the Pastor of that parish to ask if he is willing to baptize their child. A letter of permission to have the baby baptized elsewhere must be obtained from the Pastor of the parish where the family usually worships. Normally, Baptism preparation may take place in either of the parishes.
6. Must we give our child the name of a saint to be baptized?
A baptismal name that is offensive to Christians is not permitted; a saint's name is encouraged, but not necessary.
7. Does my Parish Church keep a record of my Baptism?
Yes. The basic entry includes: name; date and place of birth of the baptized; minister of the sacrament; parents (including mother's maiden name); godparent(s), and Christian witness (if any); date and place of the conferred baptism (Code of Canon Law, c. 877).
8. Can our child be baptized if we're not practicing Catholics?
Baptism is more than a rite of passage for a child or a washing away of original sin. Baptism is a sharing in the life of the risen Christ. Baptism is also the first step of initiation into the Christian community. During the Rite of Baptism, parents promise to raise their child in the practice of the faith. Parents who are not practicing members of the community may be asked to delay the Baptism of their child until they have re-established that connection with their parish community.
9. Can our child be baptized if we're not married?
Not married in the Church? Your child's Baptism and your marriage are two separate issues. Your marital status may be discussed during your Baptism interview to encourage you to get married (or validate your marriage in the Church) if this is appropriate. However, as long as you are committed to raising your child as a Catholic, he/she may celebrate the Sacrament of Baptism and be welcomed into the Catholic Church.
10. Who can be godparents?
Since godparents take on two roles - that of support for the parents in the Catholic upbringing of their child, and that of representing the Christian community into which the child is being initiated - they must be practicing Catholics, living according to the faith and fully initiated through the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist, who are mature enough (usually at least 16 years of age) to undertake this role. (Code of Canon Law, c. 872)
A godparent does not need to be the same gender as the candidate for Baptism. The godparent assumes no legal responsibility for the child.
11. Can a parent serve as a godparent?
A parent may not serve as a godparent because the parent already has a distinct role and relationship with the child. A godparent's role is separate from that of a parent or legal guardian.
12. What does a godparent do?
A godparent is called to model what it means to live as a Catholic Christian. The godparent is to assist the child in living a Christian life.
13. How many godparents are required?
The child may have only one or two godparents. If two godparents are chosen, one is to be a man and the other a woman. (Code of Canon Law, c. 873)
14. Can a person of the Orthodox faith be a godparent?
A member of the Eastern Orthodox Church may be a godparent together with a Catholic. "For a just cause, it is permitted to admit the Christian faithful of another Eastern non-Catholic Church to the function of a sponsor, but always at the same time with a Catholic sponsor." (Eastern Code of Canon Law, c. 685 § 3.) There must be at least one Catholic godparent.
15. What if the person I have chosen as godparent is sick or unable to be present at the time of the Baptism?
In exceptional circumstances, it is possible for the godparent to be represented at the Baptism by a 'proxy'. The names of the godparent and his/her proxy will be entered in the Baptismal Register. The name of the person who has served as proxy is not included on the Baptismal Certificate.
16. May a Catholic serve as a godparent at a non-Catholic baptism?
A Catholic may act as witness at a non-Catholic baptism, but not as a sponsor. The only situation in which a Catholic may be a godparent (sponsor) in "another ecclesial Community" is in an Eastern Orthodox Church "if he/she is so invited" (Directory for the Application of the Principles and Norms of Ecumenism, 98, a, b).
17. In the future, may I change the Baptismal sponsors?
On occasion, one or both of the people who served as godparents are no longer a part of the child's life or they have moved a great distance and the possibility of an ongoing relationship is compromised. Although a new person may now hold a place of prominence in the faith life of the child it is not possible to alter the Baptismal register. The register is a legal record and the original godparents were a witness to the event. It would be untruthful to remove the name of the original witness and replace it with a new name, perhaps someone who was not even present at the Baptism.
18. May a priest or a deacon serve as a godparent and also preside at the baptism?
Clergy may serve as godparents (sponsors) but are asked not to be the minister of baptism if serving as a godparent (sponsor) so that the roles are not confused.
19. What is meant by the term "Christian witness"?
A Christian witness is a baptized Christian and a member of a non-Catholic ecclesial community. (e.g., Anglican, United, Presbyterian, etc.) A member of the Eastern Orthodox Church may serve as a godparent if there is a Catholic godparent. A Christian witness is a witness to the Baptism, not a godparent.
One Christian witness is allowed only if there is one godparent. (Code of Canon Law, c. 874) If there is a Christian witness, when his/her name is entered in the Baptismal Register the term Christian witness should be included.
It is not necessary to have a Christian witness.
20. Does our child have to be baptized in order to attend a Catholic school?
It is important to check with the school board that has jurisdiction where your child will attend school. The trustees of each board interpret the admission requirements in their own way. Some school boards require proof of a parent's Catholic Baptism, especially if the child has not been baptized. This establishes their eligibility to direct their taxes to the Catholic board. This is a government, not a Church stipulation. If the child is not baptized, the parents are usually encouraged to meet with the Pastor of their parish (or his delegate) to discuss this issue.
Baptism is never to be seen as a means to enroll in a Catholic school.
21. May a child be "re-baptized" if he/she was baptized in a hospital, etc. in an emergency situation?
A person may be baptized only once. If a child is baptized in an emergency situation, once the child returns to health the parents may bring the child to their parish to celebrate the further rites as indicated in Rite of Baptism for Children. See "Rite of Bringing a Baptized Child to the Church Outside Mass" [nn. 267-287'] or "Rite of Bringing a Baptized Child to the Church within Mass" [nn. 288-312].
22. What happens if the child is adopted?
See Rite of Baptism for Children, Appendix II: "Rite of Welcome for an Adopted Child who is Baptized [nn. 345-363].
The baptismal records of adopted children are subject to both canon and civil law. If persons come to the parish looking for information on their birth name or parents they are to be directed to the Ontario government, which has legislation relating to adoption disclosure. Parish personnel have a legal obligation not to disclose any information that would identify or reveal, directly or indirectly, the fact that a person was adopted (L&L p. 9, 520, 1523, 1945, 2068, letter dated January 30, 2004).
For children baptized after their adoption is finalized, the following information is entered in the register: given name designated by the adopting parent(s); name(s) of the adopting parent(s); date and place of birth; sponsor(s) or godparent(s); minister performing the baptism; a statement that the child is adopted. The baptismal certificate issued for an adopted child is the same as a typical baptismal certificate. However, please note that the notation of adoption is not entered on the certificate.
For children already baptized, who later become part of an adoption process, the names of the adopting parent(s) and the new names for the child are added to the baptismal register after the adoption has been finalized. A notation is also made stating that the child was adopted along with the name of the court or agency involved, the date of adoption and the case number. Children who are in the process of being adopted who have not already been baptized should not be baptized until the process is finalized, unless it is a matter of danger of death or urgent necessity.
Baptismal certificates issued by the parish for these individuals give only the name(s) of the adopting parent(s), the child's new legal name, the date and place of baptism, and the name of the priest/deacon who conferred the sacrament. The name(s) of the sponsor(s) are not given unless the adopting parents designated honorary sponsors. The notation of adoption in the register is not entered on the certificate.
23. Is there a fee for sacramental preparation sessions?
In some parishes a fee is charged to cover the costs of the preparation process and material used. This fee goes to the parish, not the priest. It is understood that regardless of their financial situation the preparation process is available to all members of the parish.
24. I no longer want to be Catholic. Can I remove my name from the baptismal register?
Baptismal Registers are records of historical fact. They are not archives of membership enrollment. Accordingly, a person's name can never be removed from a Baptismal Register after he or she has been Baptized. The only changes allowed are those necessary to correct errors originally transposed into the record.
Should you wish to enquire further about this subject, please contact the Office of Spiritual Affairs.
25. My baptismal record cannot be located. What do I do?
If your baptismal record cannot be located at the presumed parish of baptism and you have been assured you were baptized within the Archdiocese of Toronto please contact the Archives of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Toronto and they will conduct a search on your behalf.
Resources
For more information on Catholic Baptism contact your local parish priest. Some general resources on the sacrament are provided below.
