Baptism preparation guidelines

The parish family of Immaculate Conception Church congratulates you on the birth of your new baby. In preparation for the reception of the sacrament of baptism, we ask you to read this brochure and bring it with you to the preparation meeting.

The spiritual development of the parents of a new baby is essential in preparing for baptism. As you bring your child to the Church you are recounting the steps taken by many other parents.

Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation are the three Sacraments of Initiation through which we become members of the Body of Christ.

The faith of your child will grow and develop as he/she witnesses your Catholic faith in action. Parents are the first and most important teachers of the faith.

In the days ahead, remember to spend some time in daily prayer and spiritual reading, especially the Bible.

We recommend that you receive the Sacrament of Penance. If it has been a while since you last received the sacrament. Feel free to discuss any concern individually with the priest at the baptismal preparation meeting.

Attend Mass, even daily and receive the Eucharist. Put the Lord first in your life.

Attend Mass each Sunday. Your presence is important for this parish community. The Mass and Confession schedule can be found on the back of this brochure.

- All families requesting baptism must be registered parishioners of Immaculate Conception Church.

Those who are not registered need a letter of permission from their pastor.

Parents are required to attend the baptismal preparation session.

Godparents must:

T Be chosen by the parents and be qualified to assume this role

T Be a Catholic who has received the sacrament of initiation (i.e., baptism, confirmation, Eucharist)

T Be at least sixteen years old

T Be a practicing Catholic

T Not be the father or the mother of the one to be baptized

Non-Catholics may serve as a witness to the baptism together with a Catholic sponsor.

Baptism is celebrated the second and fourth Sundays of each month, except during Lent. We begin promptly at 1:15 p.m. Please be in the church at least 15 minutes prior to your scheduled baptism. Anyone interested in taking pictures should speak to the priest prior to the baptism.

Since the Rite of Baptism is not in itself a substitute for Mass, those coming to the Baptism should attend Mass that Sunday.

Please use the envelope provided in making your offering to the Church. A basket will be placed near the font for your convenience.

Baptism preparation meeting is scheduled on the last Mondays of the month in the Parish Library at 8:00 pm.

Please read Celebrating Baptism prior to Baptism. This book will be given to you in the baptism preparation. Be assured of our prayers. We thank you for your cooperation and invite you to call us for future questions and/or clarifications.