Baptism

“Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? We were buried, therefore, with Him by baptism into death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life” (Romans 6:3-4).


THE SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM
Holy Baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life, the gateway to life in the Spirit, and the door which gives access to the other sacraments. Through Baptism we are freed from sin and reborn as sons (and daughters) of God; we become members of Christ, are incorporated into the Church and made sharers in her mission…”    Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC 1213)

IF YOU ARE AN ADULT SEEKING THE SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM:
Please contact Deacon Frank Kozar fkozar@sjpdg.org 

"For the grace of Baptism to unfold, the parents’ help is important.  So too is the role of the godparent, who must be firm believers, able and ready to help the newly baptized on the road of Christian life."  CCC1255

Question asked of Godparents:   

Are you ready to help the parents of this child in their duty as
Christian (Catholic) parents?

Qualifications and Role of a Catholic Godparent

Step 1:

• Only one godfather or one godmother or one of each (Canon 873)

Step 2:

• To help the baptized person to lead a Catholic Christian life in keeping with baptism and to fulfill faithfully the obligations inherent in it (Canon 872).
• A mature Catholic who will establish a lifelong faith relationship and be willing to walk with the child on their faith journey.
• A Catholic role model (coach) for the child.

Step 3:

• A Catholic who is at least 16 years old (Canon 874, §1, 2º) and has received the Sacrament of Confirmation and the Sacrament of the Eucharist and who leads an active life of faith.
• Be a practicing Catholic who attends Mass and receives the Sacraments regularly.
• Knows, understands and participates in the Catholic Church community.

Step 4:

• If the godparent is married, the marriage must be valid and recognized as a marriage in the Catholic Church. (Canon 874, §1, 3°)

Step 5:

• The godparent cannot be the father or mother of the one to be baptized (Canon 874, §1, 5º).

Step 6:

• Only with a Catholic godparent can a baptized, non-Catholic person serve as a Christian Witness of the Baptism (Canon 874, §2).
• A Catholic who lacks the requirements to be a Godparent of a Catholic who is now practicing a non-Catholic faith cannot serve as a Christian witness.

Step 7:

• A godparent who is not a parishioner at Our Lady of Good Counsel must have their home parish provide a letter confirming active participation.

Step 8:

• Once you have read and agree to the above qualifications, you may contact Deacon Frank Kozar to select your baptismal preparation date and time.
• Schedule Baptism

Baptism Times

Baptisms are every Sunday at 12:30 PM. The number of infants baptized will be limited to three (3) each Sunday.

Baptism Preparation Class

Baptism Preparation Classes are generally held the last Friday of every month (no classes in July or December) to prepare parents for the sacrament of Baptism of their child. Parents are asked to attend a Baptism Preparation Program, run by one of our Baptism Teams. Baptisms are scheduled at this meeting.