The Sacrament of Baptism

Holy Baptism is the basis the the whole Christian life, the gateway to life in the Spirit, and the door which gives access to other sacraments. Through Baptism we are freed from sin and reborn as sons of God; we become members of Christ, are incorporated into the Church and made sharers in her mission: "Baptism is the sacrament of regeneration through water and in the word." (Catechism of the Catholic Church 1213 - for more information see 1214 - 1284)

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Baptism of Infants

All of us are called children of God, but we are not born Christian. Becoming Christian involves the person in a life of commitment and dedication to the following of Christ. This life of commitment begins with the sacrament of Baptism, the sacrament we have come to know as the first sacrament of initiation. It is a once-in-a-lifetime event. Since the Second Vatican Council the Church has two rituals for its reception: one for children and the other arising from the Order of the Rite for Christian Initiation (RCIA). The preparation for infant Baptism here at St. Louis de Montfort involves the parents in the following program:

Parents are to call the Parish Office (937-4555) to register for participation in the Baptismal Program. They are to attend a general meeting with other parents preparing for the Baptism of a child, with the godparents (if possible) and with members of the parish Baptismal team which includes one or more members of the parish staff. You may print a registration form. Click on OUR PARISH and scroll down to PARISH REGISTRATION FORMS

The purpose of this program is to provide the opportunity for the parents to renew their own faith and become more aware of that faith in their lives. They will share that faith with their child since parents are the first teachers of their children.

Also, the parish community is to be encouraged in welcoming new-born infants into the Church. On occasion this will take the form of having a Baptism during the Sunday liturgy. This must be arranged in advance and you need to discuss this with the Pastor at least 2 months in advance of the desired date.

Baptism is incorporation into the Body of Christ; hence, we discourage private baptisms. Baptisms should be on Sundays.

The procedure for having a child baptized at St. Louis de Montfort is as follows:

a) Parents and godparents must register to attend the Pre-Baptismal instruction course. These are normally offered on Sunday afternoons, but following the registration, the parents will be contacted in the event there are any irregularities.

b) Parents should not set a date for the actual Baptism until they have been advised of the permission to attend the Pre-Baptismal class.

c) When you attend the Baptismal class you will receive a certificate of attendance. This is good for three (3) years.

d) Godparents must be at least 16 years of age, confirmed, and be regular in their attendance at Sunday Mass. A non-Catholic Christian may be a godparent; but he/she needs to be approved by a priest or deacon, prior to the day of the ceremony.