| Sacrament
of Baptism
Baptism Preparation
| Mission
and About: |
Baptism
is a time of great joy and celebration for parents, family
members and the parish family of St. Patrick. It is the
first sacrament of initiation, the beginning of a lifelong
journey in knowing, loving and serving Jesus. Our journey
always begins with an invitation, a call from God through
the Christian community to live the gospel as committed
disciples of Christ. We accept the invitation, that call
and response are ritualized and made visual and "real"
for us in celebration of Baptism. It is the Church's way
of celebrating and enacting the embrace of God who first
loved us from the moment of conception. Baptism is the outpouring
of God's Holy Spirit and our acceptance of that transforming
love. |
| Godparents
Information: |
A
godparent serves a special role for one to be baptized and
should be chosen carefully and with concern for the spiritual
life of the one being baptized. They are significant supporters
and the ones who can first begin to reveal to their godchild
the value of the Christian community. Only one godparent
is necessary, although both a godfather and godmother are
preferred. According to Church law it is not permitted to
have either two males or two females as godparents. Church
law insists that the godparent be at least 16 years old,
fully initiated in the Catholic Church (having received
Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation). They must be a member
in good standing of the Catholic Church, lead a life in
harmony with the faith and the role to be undertaken, and
be someone other than the legal parents. Sponsors certificates
are required from the Church of the godparents before they
can accept the privilege of being a godparent. The certificate
must mailed or brought to the Parish Center two weeks before
the date of Baptism. Sponsor certificates must have
a seal of the church and signature of the pastor/priest.
If the godparent is a member of the St. Patrick Church a
"Testimonial Statement" must be signed and returned
to us. |
| Baptism
Schedule : |
Baptisms
at St. Patrick Church are celebrated during any of the Liturgies,
usually on the first and third Sundays. If there is a need
to have a Baptism at another time, consideration can be
given to that request. Please call the parish office at
267-6644 to arrange a date and time with Sister Dominic
Joseph. |
| Baptism
Classes : |
Baptism
Classes are intended as a welcome back for some and also
renewal of your commitment to raising your child within
the Catholic Church. This meeting will hopefully answer
any questions you may have about your religion and make
you feel more alive with your own personal faith journey.
The class is held on a monthly basis from Sept. to June
on various Sundays as announced in the bulletin and seen
on the web page. We ask that both parents attend; if this
is not possible it is okay for one to be there. If a godparent
or other family member would like to attend they are most
welcome. Children are also welcome if you have difficulty
finding child care. This class lasts about 2 hours and we
meet in the Columbus Hall which is located directly under
the Church (not the Center which is the round building).
There is no fee for this meeting and even if you attend
a baptismal class at another parish we ask that you attend
here at St. Patrick's also. This class is good for 5 years.
Individual classes are available if you are unable to attend
a scheduled class. Contact Mary Kaye Varni at 267-9050,
to arrange this. |
| Contact
Information: |
To
arrange, set a date, or more information on a Baptism, please
contact: Sister Dominic Joseph at 267-6644
To
register or for more information on Baptism Preparation
Classes, please contact: Mary Kaye Varni at 267-9050.
|
| An offering is customarily made at the time of Baptism. This will help with the support and general operation of the parish. |
|
