Baptism

Holy Baptism holds the first place among the sacraments, because it is the door of the spiritual life; for by it we are made members of Christ and incorporated with the Catholic Church. Arrangements to have your child baptized should be made before the child’s birth or shortly thereafter.

When are Baptisms Celebrated?
Baptism is usually celebrated at the Church of St. Michael for active, registered parishioners on the first, second and fourth Sundays of each month at 12:15 p.m. Exceptions to these times may occur during the Easter and Christmas seasons. (To learn how to become a registered member, please see Join Our Parish Family.)

Parents are obliged to see that infants are baptized within the first weeks after birth. (cf. can. 867) In case of urgency (i.e. a child’s illness), a baptism may take place anytime. The possibility exists for former parishioners, relatives of parishioners or people who have some special attachment to St. Michael's to have their child baptized here. In such cases, a letter of permission from the parents’ current pastor is required.

How to Choose a Baptismal Name
“Parents, sponsors and the pastor are to see that a name foreign to a Christian mentality is not given.” (1983 Code of Canon Law, C. 855). A name of a Christian saint should be given to the child, either as a first or second name, or both. This saint then becomes the patron saint of the child. Information about Christian names and saints is available at the following sites:

www.newadvent.org/cathen/10673c.htm
www.catholic-forum.com/saints/index.htm
www.catholicdoors.com/misc/names.htm#names1

Who can celebrate Baptism?
The present pastor, parochial vicar, or one of the staff deacons are the normal ministers of Baptism. However, special arrangements may be made for relatives who are clergy to celebrate Baptism. Prior permission from the Pastor must be obtained for outside clergy to perform the sacrament.

Preparing for Baptism
All new parents are asked to complete a Baptismal Prep. Class before their child is baptized. These are held on the first Tuesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. in the Parish nursery. It is only necessary to attend one class before your child is baptized.

If this is not your first child, we ask that you attend a class if it has been more than three years since you last attended. The prep. class is important for the information it provides regarding the ceremony and for a broader understanding of the significance of the Sacrament of Baptism.

To arrange for baptism and/or to attend a class, please contact the parish office at 651-439-4400. At that time you will be asked for the details that are required to complete baptism. This includes the child’s godparents, guidelines for which are listed below.

Role of Parents in Baptism

At least one parent or responsible guardian must give consent to the baptism of the child.

There must be a “founded hope” that the infant will be brought up in the Catholic religion. This means that the parents demonstrate their commitment to insure that the child receives the sacraments and be instructed in the Catholic faith. At least one of the parents must be a practicing Catholic.

Role of Godparents in Baptism
Along with parents, a godparent is to present the child at baptism, to assist the parents in raising the child in the Catholic faith and to serve as a role model, according to the General Introduction to Christian Initiation. The Code of Canon Law suggests, but does not require, that the sponsor for baptism also be the sponsor for confirmation.

There are five qualifications a godparent must meet, according to the Code of Cannon Law (874):

Be chosen by the parents or guardians of the child, or, in their absence, by the pastor or minister of the sacrament
Normally must be at least 16 years old
Have received the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist and be a Catholic of good standing, leading a life in harmony with the faith
Be someone other than the child’s parents
Not be bound by any penalty imposed by the Church

A sponsor who is unable to attend the baptism may have a representative (proxy) take his/her place. In such a case, the sponsor must write a letter stating that he/she is willing to be a sponsor.

How many godparents can a person have?
A person can have either one male or one female godparent, or one of each, according to canon 873. Canon law prohibits two godparents of the same sex or more than two godparents.

Can a Christian who is not a Catholic serve as a godparent?
A non-Catholic cannot serve as a godparent, according to canon 874, but he or she can participate in the baptism as a witness. However, it remains the responsibility of the Catholic godparent to ensure a Christian upbringing for the child, according to the New Commentary on the Code of Canon Law. Similarly, Catholics are permitted to serve as baptismal witnesses in other Christian communities. If a non-Catholic, Christian witness is chosen, the other godparent must be a practicing Catholic.

If you are interested in Babtism Preparation, please visit your parish website:

St. Charles: (no website yet, please call directly) 439-4511
St. Mary's: www.stmarysstillwater.org
St. Michael's: www.stillwatercatholics.org

St. Croix Valley Faith Formation - info@scvff.org