Preparing for an Infant Baptism 
Why Baptism . . .
Baptism into the Catholic Christian community enhances the faith of the parents, godparents, family and the parish community in which it is celebrated. As a Sacrament of the Church it is not a private christening; it belongs to the larger parish and the Catholic community throughout the world.
When parents present their child for Baptism, they are asking the church to receive their child as a member of the Body of Christ here on earth. They are also making a commitment to their child to help him or her to become a part of this community of faith.
During the Baptismal Rite the parents are instructed to: “make it their constant care to bring up their child in the practice of their faith.” In accordance with this, Church law requires that parents who wish to have their child baptized must be instructed in the meaning of the sacrament and the responsibilities associated with having their child baptized. (CC 851). This instruction gives the parents a clearer understanding of the meaning of the celebration and also enables them to participate more fully in the celebration.
St. Catherine Labouré Parish offers you the following guidelines regarding the celebration of the Sacrament here in our church. You are encouraged to make plans for Baptism before the birth of your child in order to allow sufficient time for preparation.
Our requirements
Be an actively participating member of our parish community and registered in the parish. Parents must attend a parent preparation session. The schedule for these sessions is included on our website.
What do I do first?
Call the Parish Office at (858) 277-3133 and let us know that you are interested in having your child baptized. There is Baptism Registration Form that must be completed that will register you for the Parent Preparation Seminar. The form may be obtained in the office.
What if?
You have already taken the preparation class.
If the preparation was completed here at St. Catherine’s, no further classes are required. If the preparation was done at another parish, we ask that you provide documentation from that parish.
What if?
Your child is older.
According to Canon Law (CC852.1) a child older than six years will be enrolled in a Rite of Christian Initiation of Children. If your child is seven or older, please contact our Director of Religious Education, Sandy Welch, at 858-278-0587. Your child will be enrolled in our Religious Education program and will begin a two year program of Baptism and Eucharist preparation.
What about godparents….?
According to Canon Law (CC874), at least one of the godparents must:
- Be 16 years of age or older.
- Be a fully initiated, (that is: Baptized, Confirmed, and Eucharized Catholic,) who practices his or her faith.
- If married, must be married in the Catholic Church.
- A baptized person of another Christian denomination may act as a witness to the baptism, providing that there is a Catholic godparent.
- Godparents are required to attend the Baptism Seminar either at St. Catherine’s or at their local parish. If they do not attend the seminar here, proof of completion must be supplied by the Godparent.
Stipends
It is customary to make an offering to the church on the occasion of a Baptism. This offering is for the on-going work of the parish and to cover expenses.
- A stipend for the priest or deacon is optional.
- The Liturgical Calendar of the Church dictates the seasons
when Baptism is administered. - For example, under normal circumstances, Baptism is not celebrated during the penitential season of Lent.
Schedule of Infant Baptism Seminars and Baptisms 2012
Seminar is held at 11:00 AM in the Parish Hall and lasts about 1 hour.
Baptisms take place immediately following the 11:00 AM Sunday Mass. (around Noon)
| Baptism Seminars | Baptisms | |
| January 29, 2012 |
February 5, 2012 |
|
| April 15, 2012 |
April 22, 2012 |
|
| June 3, 2012 |
June 10, 2012 |
|
| July 29, 2012 | August 5, 2012 | |
| September 30, 2012 | October 7, 2012 | |
| December 2, 2012 | December 9, 2012 |
Contacts
Infant Baptisms: Terry Poletto, terry@stcatherinelaboure.net Parish Office 858-277-3133
Children age seven and older: Sandy Welch, sandy@stcatherinelaboure.net, Religious Education Office 858-278-0587
More information coming soon
More information coming soon
More information coming soon
More information coming soon
More information coming soon