We, here at Holy Family, heartily welcome all those to be Baptized to the Universal Catholic Church, the Roman Catholic Diocese of London and here to our own Parish. Welcome!
What is Baptism?
- “Baptism” means “to immerse” in water. The one who is baptized is immersed into the death of Christ and rises with Him as “a new creature (2 Cor 5:7).”
- Baptism is the first of the 7 Sacraments.
- Baptism blots out Original Sin which each of us inherits by being descendants of Adam.
- Baptism makes us Christians, members of the Catholic Church, children of God and heirs of Heaven.
- Baptism pours into our soul the Holy Spirit, the Virtues of Faith, Hope and Charity and gives us a share the very Life of God.
- The Sacrament of Baptism is in the pouring of water on the head with the words, “I baptize you in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”
- Baptism is necessary for salvation. “Unless a man be born again of water and the Holy Spirit, he cannot enter the Kingdom of God (Jn 3:5).” The Catechism of the Catholic Church says, “The Church does not know of any means other than Baptism that assures entry into [Heavenly Glory]; this is why she takes care not to neglect the mission she has received from the Lord to see that all who can be baptized are “reborn of water and the Spirit (CCC 1257).”
- Baptism was instituted by Christ: “All power is given to Me in heaven and earth. Going, therefore, teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit (Mt. 28:18-20).”
- The first Christians practiced Baptism: “Peter said to them, ‘Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ (Acts 32:38).’”
Parents & Godparents
- Parents have the mission of teaching their children to pray and to discover their true vocation as children of God.
- Children are baptized in the parish of their parents – as the whole Catholic community bears some responsibility in their spiritual development.
- For Baptism, there must be a well-founded hope that the child be brought up in the Catholic religion.
- Only one Godparent is required. Two Godparents must be of each gender.
- Both Godparents must be Baptized; one must be Catholic. Each must be 16 and older.
- If a non-Catholic person is chosen as a sponsor, he/she is known as a “Christian Witness” rather than “Godparent.” A Catholic Godparent must also be present.
- The role of Godparents is to assist Parents in bringing up the child in the Catholic Faith. Thus parents should take care to choose exemplary Christian persons as Godparents.
- In order to fulfill their responsibilities and promises to train the Child in the practice of our Holy Catholic Faith, Parents and Godparents ought to be Faithful Catholics who: faithfully attend weekly Sunday Mass; believe what the Church teaches; and live according to Catholic morals.
Baptisms at Holy Family Parish
Baptisms are celebrated at Mass or in a separate ceremony on the 3rd Sunday of every month at Holy Family.
Baptisms are performed by the priest or deacon.
Children wear white for Baptism to show their “clothing with Christ (Rom 13:14).”
Pictures are permitted at Baptisms so long as they do not become a distraction, others’ view is not blocked and cameras do not enter the sanctuary.
There is no fee for Baptism.
Parents attend a Baptismal Preparation Class which is usually held on the first Sunday of the month at 12:00 noon.
Please call Lisa Wright at 519-472-0057 Ext 222 for more information or to make an appointment and register your child for Baptism.