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8 Wickford Way, Fairport, New York 14450 Phone: 585-248-5993 Fax: 585-387-0517 E-Mail:  fstjohno@dor.org St. John of Rochester Infant Baptism (For the Baptism of children age 7 or older and for adults see RCIA) For more information or if you would like to join our Baptismal Ministry Team: Contact: Pastoral Associate Barbara Hesenius E-Mail: bhesenius@dor.org Phone: 248-5993 x 12     Information on Baptism Preparation Class Congratulations! We join you in happy expectation as you anticipate the arrival of your child through birth or adoption. If your little one has arrived, then we join you in thanking God for the miracle of life. Parents want to give their children holy and meaningful gifts. What better gift is there than the gift of being "born again" through Baptism into the Eternal Life of the Trinity? Baptism is the first of the 7 Sacraments of the Catholic Church. A Baptized person spiritually enters into Christ's Death and Resurrection, thereby exchanging Original Sin for the Divine Life of God. Baptism makes us a Child of God, Heir of Heaven, Disciple of Christ and member of His Body, the Church. In Baptism, especially infant Baptism, we recognize that God's salvation is never earned by human effort, but it is Christ's gift to those who desire it. As Catholic parents, you desire to offer your children God's sacramental gift of salvation through Baptism. You promise to raise your children in both a home and Church community that supports their growing Catholic Christian faith. The Sacrament of Baptism begins with the priest or deacon saying to your child, "This Christian community welcomes you with great joy. In its name, I claim you for Christ, Our Savior, by the Sign of the Cross." Your family's weekly worship in a specific Catholic community is vital for your Faith to grow and develop. We certainly encourage your family's active participation here at St. John of Rochester! General Information The Celebration of Baptism: Our preferred time is during any weekend Mass. An alternative time is 1:00 PM Sunday (or 12:00 Noon Sunday during summer). There are no Baptisms during Lent. Our preferred method is immersion - your unclothed infant is immersed in warm water up to the chest, and then the white Baptismal garments are put on. An alternative method is pouring water on the head only. Arrive 15 minutes early and occupy in the first few rows on the right side of the main-aisle. Parents, child and Godparents go to Narthex just before Mass for the Welcoming Rite. After the Mass/Ceremony: Take home your child's Baptismal candle to use again on the anniversary/special occasions. Check your Baptismal Certificate given at the end of the ceremony for errors. Contact the Parish Office (248-5993) if changes are needed. You may remain for photos. For 1:00 PM Baptisms (12:00 Noon in summer): Depending on the number to be baptized the ceremony will last about 30 minutes. Each family should sit up front in one of the four pew area sections of Church. Sacramental preparation: Register as a member of St. John of Rochester Parish. Participate in one Baptismal Preparation session offered on the 3rd Friday of each month. Schedule the time and date of Baptism by contacting Pastoral Associate Barbara Hesenius at 248-5993 x 12. Choose a Godparent who will be: An active Catholic Christian role model for your child. A helper to you in your duties as Christian parents. A Witness for Christ and keeping His "Light of Faith" alive in your child. Note - You may name a Proxy to stand-in for a Godparent who cannot attend. Requirements for Godparents: A practicing Catholic who has received Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist. Minimum 16 years of age. Most parents choose two Catholic Godparents, yet only one Catholic Godparent of the same gender is required. Another Christian may be named as a "Christian Witness". Map To Our Parish