What is Baptism?
Through the Sacrament of Baptism, we are reborn to new life in Christ and filled with the Holy Spirit. This sacrament washes away original sins and makes us God's adopted sons and daughters.
When we are baptized, we are baptized into the faith of the Catholic Church. Since the earliest days of the Church, the Church has had the practice of baptizing infants, due to the necessity of receiving Baptism for salvation. Since infants cannot profess the faith on their own, they have godparents who profess the faith for them and promise to raise them in the faith.
Please note: If the child is in danger of death, he/she should be baptized as soon as possible. If there is time to call a priest or a deacon, please do so. If there is not time, any person may baptize by pouring water three times over the head and pronouncing the words, “I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.”
Getting your child baptized at St. Mary of Redford
Step 1: Fill out the Baptism Inquiry Form
Please fill out the following Baptism Inquiry Form. This form has all the information we need to record your child’s baptism in our records once it has taken place. This will also allow us to contact you as we make arrangements for the baptism.
Step 2: We will call you to schedule a meeting and confirm the date of the baptism
Once we have the inquiry form, we will give you a call. The phone call is a chance for us to get to know you a little bit and touch base with you about the baptism. (Are you in town or coming from out of town? What is your understanding of Baptism? Do you understand that you’re committing to raising the child Catholic? Etc.)
We will also try to schedule the baptism then. Baptism usually take place at 10 AM on Saturdays, 10 AM on Sundays, or 4 PM on Sundays.
Please note: there is no fee for baptisms although donations to the parish are gratefully accepted.
Step 3: Attend the baptism prep meeting
During the baptism prep meeting, we discuss the Catholic faith, what that means to you, and how to hand that faith on to your children. We will talk about what baptism is and will walk through the rite of baptism that we use here at St. Mary of Redford.
Step 4: Choose godparents
Since infants cannot commit to the faith themselves, godparents say the responses for them. In doing so, the godparent commits to sharing responsibility with the parents in raising the child in the Catholic faith. To that end, the godparents should be practicing Catholics in good standing. The rite requires that there at least be a godfather, although it is customary to have both a godfather and a godmother. If you run into difficulties, please contact us and we’ll be happy to help.
Step 5: Show up for the baptism
The baptism begins at the back of the church. Your child can show up wearing their baptismal gown (or if you need one, we have white garments that can be used.) Bring family and friends. The rite takes about 20 minutes in all.
Further Resources
The Rite of Baptism (as used at St. Mary of Redford)
The Baltimore Catechism on Baptism
A Catholic Family Manual: Putting God at the Heart of the Home
