The Sacrament Of Baptism
The Sacrament of Baptism is often called "The door of the Church," because it is the first of the seven sacraments not only in time (since most Catholics receive it as infants) but in priority, since the reception of the other sacraments depends on it.
Baptism has six primary effects, which are all supernatural graces. In addition to the removal of guilt for both Original Sin and personal sin, baptism also removes the remission of all punishment that we owe because of sin, both temporal (in this world and in Purgatory) and eternal (the punishment that we would suffer in hell). Baptism also provides an infusion of grace in the form of sanctifying grace (the life of God within us) and provides the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit and the three theological virtues. Additionally, baptism allows us to become a part of the Church which is the Mystical Body of Christ on earth and enables participation in the sacraments, the priesthood of all believers, and the growth in grace.
How to Schedule a Baptism at The Cathedral of Saint Patrick
Baptism are offered at the Cathedral of Saint Patrick on the first, second and fourth Sunday of the month at 1:30 PM. Parent must attend a baptismal class prior to the baptism if they have not attended a Baptism preparation class at the Cathedral of Saint Patrick within the past two years. Baptismal classes are held the third Sunday of the month at 1:30 PM in the Family Life Center. Class registration is not required. Parents must also complete and submit all the necessary paperwork along with the required Godparent certificate of eligibility at least one week prior to the scheduled baptism. Please see the Baptism Registration Form and Baptism Guideline forms to the right.
The Role of The Godparent
The role of the Godparent is to present the child for baptism and to help the child live a Christian life befitting the baptized. The following are the requirements:
One Catholic godparent, male or female, is sufficient but there may be two, one of each gender. No one can have more than two godparents for one child, nor can anyone have two godparents of the same gender. Godparents must be appointed by the parents of child being Baptized and must be one who is willing to provide spiritual guidance to the child. They may not be the mother or father of the person to be baptized.
Godparents must be age 16 or older, unless the parish priest considers that there is a just reason for an exception to be made. Godparents must be fully initiated Catholics (one who has celebrated Baptism, Eucharistic, Confirmation and practices their faith) and not labored under a canonical penalty, whether imposed or declared. If the person you are considering as a godparent is not married according to the laws and practices of the Catholic Church, or is cohabitating [living together without marriage], you will need to consider someone else.
A Godparent must be an active, registered member of a Catholic Parish. If the Godparent is over 18, the person must be registered under their own name at a Catholic Parish. For those who are not parishioners of St. Patrick’s Cathedral, the Godparent must obtain a “sponsor certificate” from his/her parish indicating that he/she is a Catholic in good standing. The certificate should be mailed to the Parish Office two weeks prior to the Baptism.
While it is ideal that the parents select two Catholic Godparents, the Church only requires that there be one Godparent. A baptized non-Catholic may serve as a “witness” to the ceremony, as long as a Catholic Godparent is present. The non-Catholic should be an active and participating member of his/her Christian community. This restriction ensures that whoever is appointed as godparent, that person will be able to represent and attest to the beliefs of the Catholic Church, the community of faith in which the child is being baptized.
Godparents are not required to be present on the day of the Baptism. A Godparent may be represented by a proxy. If you plan to have a proxy, he/she must be either a baptized Christian and/or a practicing Roman Catholic in good standing.
For more information, please contact:
Deacon Carlos Medina, Coordinator of Baptism Preparation
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