Order of Baptism of Children
Abundant blessings upon you and your family as you rejoice in the birth of your child!
Saint John Bosco parish rejoices with you on such a joyous event.
We are equally thrilled that you now desire the gift of Jesus’ life
to be poured into your child and are excited to help you
prepare for your child’s Baptism.
“Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:19-20) As recorded by the Evangelist Saint Matthew, these are Jesus’ final words before ascending to Heaven to sit at the right hand of God the Father. Jesus’ own words describe Baptism as an encounter with Him that makes each a disciple – a learner or student of His way of living. And as if this was not enough, Jesus also promises to remain with each of us as individuals and with His Body, the Church … all this and much more in God the Father’s wondrous gift of Baptism.
You may have some questions concerning the baptism of your child and we are here to help. An important step in preparing for the Sacrament of Baptism is selecting a Godparent or Godparents. This person(s), selected either by you as parents or the pastor as the shepherd of the local Christian family, assists you as the first catechist (teacher) of your child so that he or she will eventually “profess the faith [of Jesus] and express it in life.” (Order of the Baptism of Children, 9) The Godparent(s) accepts a sacred and important role in the life of your child. Your faithful way of living Catholic faith together with the faithful life of the Catholic Godparent(s), will help your child ‘catch the faith’ of Jesus through your words and deeds.
Because the role of Godparent(s) is a serious and important ministry, the Church has outlined some minimal requirements:
Only 1 Godparent who is a practicing and faithful Catholic person is necessary for the Sacrament of Baptism. If 2 Godparents are selected, 1 is to be a woman, 1 is to be a man and both are to be practicing and faithful Catholics. There can be no more than 2 Catholic Godparents.
A practicing and faithful Catholic is a person who is minimally:
- at least 16 years of age;
- fully initiated into the Body of Christ through the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and the Most Holy Eucharist;
- regularly living a life in harmony with the Church: weekly Sunday Mass and Sacraments;
- if living with another – that life is to be Sacramental, that is, married in the Catholic Church;
- and a life of Christian charity and service towards others.
- The Godparent(s) must obtain a Certificate(s)/Letter(s) of Eligibility from her or his home parish and present it(them) when meeting with Father Kramer or Father Hernandez.
Occasionally, families desire to have a non-Catholic Christian assist in the Christian upbringing of their child. In this situation, the person will be known as a Christian Witness to the Baptism. In addition to the 1 Christian Witness, there must be 1 Catholic Godparent (see minimal requirements above). As for the Christian Witness, the minimal requirements are:
- be a baptized and participating member of a Christian community;
- not baptized as a Catholic Christian;
- if the Christian Witness is a man, the Catholic Godparent must be a woman; likewise, if the Christian Witness is a woman, the Catholic Godparent must be a man.
- The Christian Witness must obtain a Letter of Good Christian Standing from her or his Christian Church.
From time to time, we know that families have difficulty selecting a Godparent to fulfill this sacred ministry. If you are having difficulty, let us know and we can introduce you to great parishioners who are most willing to assist you as Godparents modeling the life of Jesus as practicing and faithful Catholic Christians.
The final steps involve completing an initial online registration and subsequent meeting with Father Kramer. Father Hernandez will meet with Spanish speaking families. When ready, you can click the link below and complete the online form. After you submit the form, a person from the parish will be in touch with you shortly to arrange a meeting with Father Kramer or Father Hernandez. Bring the Certificate(s)/Letter(s) of Eligibility (and Letter in Good Christian Standing in the case of a Christian Witness) to that meeting. Father will review information, answer any questions you have about Baptism and schedule the date of the Baptism – Español: El primer domingo de cada mes despues de la Misa de la 11:00am, English: Last Sunday of each month after 11:00am Mass.
Since the Sacrament of Baptism is celebrated after the 11:00am Mass, invite all your family and friends to the 11:00am Mass!