Baptism
Baptism of Infants
Jesus said to his disciples: “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.” (Mt. 28:19-20a)
Responding to Our Lord’s command, St. Mary’s Parish celebrates the sacrament of baptism for infants and children up to age 7 to incorporate them into Christ’s Church and to plant the seed of eternal life within them.
Baptisms are normally celebrated after the 11:00am Mass on the 3rd Sunday of the month.
Baptisms for children whose parents are not registered parishioners of St. Mary’s must be approved by Fr. Bill and be accompanied by a letter from their pastor stating that they are baptized members in good standing and giving Fr. Bill delegation to celebrate the baptism (please see below). There is no fee for baptisms.
Baptism Classes
Parents are required to attend a baptism class for their first child, or if it has been more than 4 years since their most recent child was baptized. Baptism Preparation is scheduled after completing the Pre-registration form. You will be contacted within one week of our receiving this paperwork to arrange Baptism Preparation. You can register either online by clicking on the button at the bottom of this page or by calling the Parish Office at (616) 842-1702. It is highly recommended but not mandatory that godparents attend as well.
Godparents
Every child to be baptized must have a godparent unless an emergency baptism is necessary. The minimum requirement is for one Catholic godparent, but for infant baptisms it is often customary to have two. Canon law permits only one male and one female godparent – a godfather and a godmother.
If there is only one godparent, a non-Catholic Christian can serve as a Christian witness, provided that that person be a baptized and practicing Christian in good standing with his or her faith community.
The requirements for godparents are as follows:
Canon Law 874: To be permitted to take on the function of sponsor a person must:
- be designated by the one to be baptized, by the parents or the person who takes their place, or in their absence by the pastor or minister and have the aptitude and intention of fulfilling this function;
- have completed the sixteenth year of age, unless the diocesan bishop has established another age, or the pastor or minister has granted an exception for a just cause;
- be a Catholic who has been confirmed and has already received the most holy sacrament of the Eucharist and who leads a life of faith in keeping with the function to be taken on;
- not be bound by any canonical penalty legitimately imposed or declared;
- not be the parent or guardian of the one to be baptized.
- A baptized person who belongs to a non-Catholic ecclesial community is not to participate except together with a Catholic sponsor and then only as a witness of the baptism.
What is the role of a godparent?
The godparent ought to serve as a good spiritual example to his or her godchild; that is, one who believes in the teachings of Jesus Christ as revealed to the Catholic Church, and who strives to live out those teachings. The godparent also promises to raise the child in the Catholic faith if the parents of the baptized are unable to do so.
Policy for Baptism of Non-Parishioners
All those who have a significant reason to request baptism shall be allowed to present a child for baptism at the regularly scheduled baptism times and in accordance with all the other practices of the parish, if they present the following:
- Reason for desiring the Baptism at Saint Mary’s (e.g., family connections, etc.)
- Signed notification of having received some formal baptismal preparation at a Catholic Parish, campus chapel, military base chapel, or the like.
- Written permission from the pastor or associate pastor of the parent(s) of the child to celebrate the sacrament in his name.
- Written statement from the pastor or associate pastor of the parents of the child that the parent(s) are Catholics in good standing in the Church and parish, are practicing the Faith and registered in that parish.
For a better idea of this sacrament please view the video below.