BAPTISM
Baptism
The Sacrament of Baptism
This sacrament is called Baptism , after the central rite by which it is carried out: to baptize (Greek baptizein ) means to "plunge" or "immerse"; the "plunge" into the water symbolizes the catechumen's burial into Christ's death, from which he rises up by resurrection with him, as "a new creature." (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1214)
This sacrament is also called " the washing of regeneration and renewal by the Holy Spirit ," for it signifies and actually brings about the birth of water and the Spirit without which no one "can enter the kingdom of God." (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1215)
Holy Baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life, the gateway to life in the Spirit (vitae spiritualis ianua), and the door which gives access to the other sacraments. Through Baptism we are freed from sin and reborn as sons of God; we become members of Christ, are incorporated into the Church and made sharers in her mission: "Baptism is the sacrament of regeneration through water in the word." (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1213)
Catholics are traditionally baptized as infants, shortly after birth. During the baptism, the parents and godparents make the commitment on behalf of the child, expressing their desire for the child to be baptized. This practice emphasizes Christ’s message to “let the little ones come to me” and underscores the significant role of family and community in supporting and shaping one’s spiritual life.
Baptism at Sacred Heart
We look forward to welcoming your child into the life of the Church! To ensure a smooth preparation process, please review the following requirements and steps.
Requirements for Parents
- Parish Registration: Parents should be registered parishioners at Sacred Heart. If you are unsure of your registration status, please contact the Parish Office to verify.
- Initial Meeting: An initial meeting with the parents and the Pastor should be scheduled as soon as possible.
- Baptism Preparation Class: Parents baptizing their first child at our parish for the first time are required to complete a Baptism Education program.
- All forms must be given to the parish office (Baptism Info Form, Godparent eligibility forms) prior to the baptism.
Scheduling & Confirmation
- All Baptisms must be scheduled directly through the Parish Office.
- Please Note: Submitting the Baptism Information form
does not guarantee the availability of the parish or the Pastor. Your date and time are only finalized once you have received a direct confirmation from the office.
Godparent Eligibility
Godparents serve as lifelong examples of faith for the child. To serve in this role, they must meet certain criteria mandated by Canon Law. Some of these requirements are outlined below; please refer to the Eligibility Form for a complete understanding of these criteria.
- Active Faith: Godparents must be practicing Catholics in good standing.
- Marriage: If a Godparent is married, their marriage must be recognized by the Catholic Church.
- Letters of Eligibility: If a Godparent is not a registered member of Sacred Heart, they must provide a Letter of Eligibility from their home parish. This document must be signed by their Pastor and include the official parish seal.
Required Forms
- Please complete and submit the Baptism Information Form.
- All required forms are available for download in the side panel (desktop) or below this text (if you are using a mobile device).
important forms
Baptism Information Form
Please click button above to access the form. This is the Baptism Information Form. Please download and have ready for the parish office.
Godparent Eligibility Form
Please click the button above to access the form. This is a sample Godparent eligibility form. It can be downloaded and used.
Contact
If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to call the parish office. We are more than willing to help you fill out all the necessary forms.
Office: (414) 774 - 9418
Email: sh.croatian@yahoo.com
