Sacrament of Initiation
Baptism
Baptisms at Mass are live-streamed over the Internet!
Pick up your own dvd copy of the Baptism after Mass!
The Sacrament of Baptism will begin with the Priest or Deacon saying to the 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." That prayer tells why Baptism is celebrated during a Mass. A Catholic Community joyfully welcomes the child into God's Spiritual Family, into the local Catholic Church. The Sacrament of Baptism is not merely a "natural" family event, but actually a "supernatural" spiritual family event for the child. Your family's regular worship at Sunday Eucharist is essential for Catholic family life and faith development.
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Baptism is the 1st of 7 Sacraments of the Roman Catholic Church. A person spiritually enters into Christ's Death and Resurrection as seen by water immersion and exchanges their Original Sin for the Divine Life of God entering within them. Baptism creates a person to be a Child of God, Heir of Heaven, Disciple of Christ and a new member of the Roman Catholic Church. Salvation is never earned by our human effort! Eternal Life is God's Gift to a person who accepts Jesus Christ as their own Savior and the Lord of their life. Since a young child is not yet able to make that decision for Christ, the parents make it for them during a Baptism. But parents must explain and teach the growing child that one day he/she must decide to accept Jesus Christ their own personal Savior and Lord.
Your child's spiritual life is the greatest responsibility God has given to you as parents. Your child's faith will be the direct result of your own relationship with Jesus being shared with your child. You will solemnly promise at your child's Baptism to raise your child in both a Catholic home AND parish.
As Catholic parents during a Baptism, you will promise to grow spiritually along with your child as you journey on the road to Heaven. Catholic spouses should already be united with God and each other through the Sacrament of Matrimony. If you were not married in the Catholic Church, Fr. Peter urges you to contact him or Pastoral Associate Barbara and arrange for your Sacrament of Matrimony to occur within a simple yet sacred "Convalidation" ceremony.
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We join you in happy anticipation of the arrival of your child either through birth or adoption. Parents want to give their children Holy, meaningful gifts. What better Gift can you give your child than being "Born Again" in Baptism!
General Information
All Adult Catholics (21+) must be registered in a Catholic Parish. Register here to become a SJR parishioner now!
Before Baptism Occurs:
*If you are NEW to our Parish OR if this is your FIRST child,
1. Both parents must attend a Baptism Retreat.
2. Plan to attend the Baptism Retreat DURING pregnancy.
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A Retreat Leader couple
will re-confirm your registration.
2019-2020 RETREAT DATES:
Friday November 15
Friday, January 17
Friday, March 20
Friday, May 15
Friday, July 17
Friday, September 18
Location : Gathering Room
Time: 7:00 - 9:00pm
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General Information
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SJR Baptisms occur during a weekend Mass. Only one Baptism is done at a Mass. (You may baptize family relatives together.)
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Parents must be registered in a Catholic parish.
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If not registered here, then send us a letter from your current pastor requesting that your Baptism be held at SJR.
Our preferred style is immersion (not "sub-mersion") As your child
"dies to sin and rises as a new Creation in Christ" we perform 3
immersions (for the Trinity) in chest-high warm water.
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A less preferred method is pouring water on the forehead.
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Plan to arrive 10 minutes before Mass.
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You will have reserved pews right front side of center aisle.
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Parents, Godparents and child go to Baptismal Font 3 minutes before Mass for the "Welcoming Rite".
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Follow the Altar Servers in the Entrance Procession.
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The Baptism will occur after the Homily.
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After Baptism, proceed to Vestry Room to clothe your child in white Baptismal garments.
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Return to your pew...or if you will bring up the Offertory Gifts, then stand by the Offertory Table.
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Speak with Fr. Peter about deviations from normal procedures.
After The Baptism:
1. Check your Baptismal Certificate for spelling errors.
2. Contact the Parish Office if changes are needed.
3. You may remain for photos in the Church.
4. Pick up your dvd copy of the Baptism in the Video Room.
5. Save your Baptismal candle for use on annual Baptismal
anniversary, or use on any special /spiritual occasion!
Questions?
Contact Barbara
Barbara Hesenius
Pastoral Associate
585-248-5993 x 12
Catholic Godparent Information
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A practicing Catholic who has received their 3 Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism and Eucharist and Confirmation.
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At least 16 years of age.
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A Catholic role-model for your child's growing faith.
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A spiritual helper with you in your duties as Catholic parents.
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A witness for Jesus and willing to share their faith in Jesus with your child.
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PLEASE NOTE:
Only One Catholic Godparent is needed for a child.
A Proxy may stand-in for a Catholic Godparent who can't attend.
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A Baptized non-Catholic may participate as a "Christian Witness", but can NOT be officially listed as a Catholic Godparent in the parish Sacramental Registry.