Baptism of Infants and Young Children
We welcome and congratulate those families wishing to pass on the faith to their children through the sacrament of Baptism. The 1969 Rite of Baptism for Children states, “The people of God, that is, the Church, made present by the local community, has an important part to play in the baptism of both children and adults.” Immaculate Conception Church lives this truth through its celebration of the sacrament of Baptism at its weekend liturgies and through its lived example. As well as celebrating a new life claimed for Christ, we actively celebrate baptism as a sacrament of belonging to a faith community. In a covenantal relationship with their parents, children coming for baptism are joined to our community with the promise that all parties will help raise the child to mature faith.
Baptisms at Immaculate Conception Church take place during one of the designated weekend liturgies. Registration in the parish for a minimum of three months is expected before a Baptism can be celebrated. For this reason and others, we recommend that no date be selected nor godparents chosen until you have contacted the Baptism Coordinator.
Godparents are an integral part of this covenantal relationship. They, along with the parents, are responsible for the faith development of the child being baptized. Those serving as godparents must be willing to help the child they sponsor lead a Christian life in harmony with baptism and fulfill the obligations connected with it. Therefore, at least one of the godparents must be a committed Catholic in good standing with the Catholic Church (Canon 874). For other requirements and additional information, see Godparents' Roles and Responsibilities.
Parents are to participate in a Baptism Preparation Workshop prior to scheduling their child's baptism and are encouraged to register for the workshop several months in advance of the desired baptism date. This workshop addresses the meaning of the sacrament and how Baptism is celebrated today. Although the Catholic parent is required to attend, we recommend that both parents participate in the preparation process and be present at the Baptism. We understand the necessity of bringing nursing newborns to the workshop; however, we prefer that you do not bring older children who need more attention.
During the Workshop, a checklist and important documentation for the baptism will be distributed. All information is to be compiled and completed before any baptism will be scheduled at Immaculate Conception Church.
If you have attended a Baptism Preparation Workshop at Immaculate Conception Church within the past 2 years, you need not repeat the session. However, you will need to contact the Faith Development Office for a packet of information and to schedule your baptism date.
If your child’s Baptism is to take place at Immaculate Conception Church, you will be able to schedule the date and time of the Baptism after the workshop and after submitting the Baptism Data Sheet and the Parish Approval Letters from the godparents' parishes. Parents should be registered with our parish for at least three months prior to the Baptism.
If your child’s Baptism is to take place at another parish, you will be able to get a permission letter from the Baptism Coordinator after attending the workshop.
Those who wish to share in this ministry of welcome and commitment may volunteer as a Baptism catechist for the workshops, a refreshment volunteer, or an assistant at liturgy.
We delight in sharing this significant moment in your family's ongoing faith development and pray that you will be enriched by your experience. For more information, please contact the Baptism Coordinator.
Baptisms at Immaculate Conception Church take place during one of the designated weekend liturgies. Registration in the parish for a minimum of three months is expected before a Baptism can be celebrated. For this reason and others, we recommend that no date be selected nor godparents chosen until you have contacted the Baptism Coordinator.
Godparents are an integral part of this covenantal relationship. They, along with the parents, are responsible for the faith development of the child being baptized. Those serving as godparents must be willing to help the child they sponsor lead a Christian life in harmony with baptism and fulfill the obligations connected with it. Therefore, at least one of the godparents must be a committed Catholic in good standing with the Catholic Church (Canon 874). For other requirements and additional information, see Godparents' Roles and Responsibilities.
Parents are to participate in a Baptism Preparation Workshop prior to scheduling their child's baptism and are encouraged to register for the workshop several months in advance of the desired baptism date. This workshop addresses the meaning of the sacrament and how Baptism is celebrated today. Although the Catholic parent is required to attend, we recommend that both parents participate in the preparation process and be present at the Baptism. We understand the necessity of bringing nursing newborns to the workshop; however, we prefer that you do not bring older children who need more attention.
During the Workshop, a checklist and important documentation for the baptism will be distributed. All information is to be compiled and completed before any baptism will be scheduled at Immaculate Conception Church.
If you have attended a Baptism Preparation Workshop at Immaculate Conception Church within the past 2 years, you need not repeat the session. However, you will need to contact the Faith Development Office for a packet of information and to schedule your baptism date.
If your child’s Baptism is to take place at Immaculate Conception Church, you will be able to schedule the date and time of the Baptism after the workshop and after submitting the Baptism Data Sheet and the Parish Approval Letters from the godparents' parishes. Parents should be registered with our parish for at least three months prior to the Baptism.
If your child’s Baptism is to take place at another parish, you will be able to get a permission letter from the Baptism Coordinator after attending the workshop.
Those who wish to share in this ministry of welcome and commitment may volunteer as a Baptism catechist for the workshops, a refreshment volunteer, or an assistant at liturgy.
We delight in sharing this significant moment in your family's ongoing faith development and pray that you will be enriched by your experience. For more information, please contact the Baptism Coordinator.