St. Augustine’s Church is honored and filled with joy that you desire to have your child baptized.

 

Preparation

Baptism is a fundamental sacrament of initiation into Christian faith community and the Catholic way of life.  Parents seeking Baptism for their child should be active in their Catholic faith or planning to become active in their faith.  Parents are asked to participate in a preparation session so that you will be aware of what happens during the Rite of Baptism and be ready to celebrate it fully. Godparents are encouraged to attend as well.  

 

Celebrating Baptism

You are invited to consider having your child’s baptism as part of the celebration of a weekend  Mass.  The Catholic Church understands baptism to be initiation into the life of the community.  Having a baptism take place during the Mass allows the whole community to be present and to celebrate this wonderful thing that God is doing in our midst.  If baptism during Mass is not possible, arrangements can be made for the baptism to place at another time.

You are also invited to consider having your child immersed (partially clothed) in the water as part of the baptismal experience.  Alternatively, baptism will take place by having water poured over the child’s head.

 

Choosing Godparents

Godparents have a very special place in the baptism of a child.  Since infants cannot answer for themselves the parents make promises on behalf of their child.  Godparents also make the same promises, thus pledging to help the newly baptized on the road to Christian life.  Being a Godparent is truly a ministry, as well as an honor.

Ordinarily, two individuals are invited to be Godparents. Godparents are mature enough (at least 16 years of age) to understand, accept and carry out the duties of their promises.  It is necessary that one Godparent be baptized and confirmed in the Catholic Church and be living a life consistent with the teachings of our faith. A second sponsor may be a baptized practicing Christian of another faith.

 

If a Godparent is not a member of St. Augustine’s parish, he or she will need to request a letter or sponsor form from his or her own parish confirming that he or she is a parishioner in good standing, and able to serve in the role of Godparent.  That letter/sponsor form can be brought to the baptism session or mailed to St. Augustine’s Church, 7333 O’Brien Rd, Baldwinsville, NY  13027.

 

To arrange for a baptism at St. Augustine’s please contact the parish office at 638-0585 or email@staugustinesparish.org.

 

For information about Baptism for a child over 7 years of age, please go to this link.