BAPTISM

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“Holy Baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life, the gateway to life in the Spirit, 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.”

-Catechism of the Catholic Church-

Forms

---> A Request for Infant Baptism

Registration required 3 months prior

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Parents must be registered parishioners, provide birth certificate, sponsor attestation from parish priest, and attend (parents & godparents) instructional baptism class.

BAPTISMAL PREPARATION FOR ST. MARTIN DE PORRES CATHOLIC CHURCH

The Baptism of your child is the first step in welcoming the child into this Catholic Christian parish community. Along with the parents, this whole community promises to help raise the child in the Catholic Faith. Accordingly, the participation of the community, and our membership in it, is central to our understanding of what it means to be a "Catholic Christian," one who has been baptized into the Body of Christ, the Church.

The family of the one who is to be baptized must, therefore, be a part of this community. In recognition of this, the parish community of St. Martin de Porres insists that parents who seek the Sacrament of Baptism for their children be registered, active, and contributing members of this parish for a minimum of three months prior to arranging for their child's Baptism.

Further requirements are as follows:

A Christian name will be greatly preferred for the candidate for baptism.
If there are to be two sponsors (godparents), as is customary, one must be a godmother and one must be a godfather.
At least one sponsor must be a practicing Catholic, one who is baptized and confirmed and, if married, married according to Catholic Church requirements, and at least one week prior to the Baptism date, must provide a Letter or Certificate so saying from the Pastor of his or her own Catholic parish.
The second sponsor, if not a Catholic, as above, must be a baptized and practicing member of another Christian Church. A letter so saying from his or her Pastor is also required at least one week prior to the Baptism date.
Both sponsors must be at least sixteen years of age and neither should be members of the immediate family.
Both parents must attend a Baptism Conference with Fr. Michael, unless they have completed another Baptism Class in the previous two years and provide a letter from the parish where you attended the baptism class.
A stipend addressed to the priest or parish will be greatly appreciated.

=====> Sponsor certificates or letters must be received by our Parish Office at least one week prior to the Baptism.

REGULATIONS FOR SPONSORS FOR BAPTISM

Who may be baptismal sponsor/godparent? Insofar as possible, one to be baptized is to be assigned a sponsor. In the case of an adult baptism, the sponsor's role is to assist the person in Christian initiation. In the case of an infant baptism, the role is, together with the parents, to present the child for baptism, and to help the child live a Christian life befitting of the baptized, and faithfully to fulfill the duties inherent in baptism.

One sponsor, male or frmale is sufficient but there may be two, one of each sex. It is prohibited to have either two male or two female sponsors. To be admitted to undertake the office of : sponsor, a person must:

Be appointed by the candidate for baptism, or by the parents, or by whoever stands in their place, or (if necessary) by the parish priest and is to have the qualifications and the intention of fulfilling this role;
Be not less than 16 years old;
Be a Catholic who has been confirmed and has received the Eucharist, and who lives a life of faith which befits the role to be undertake.
Not to be bound by any canonical penalty legitimately imposed or declared;
Not be either the father or the mother of the one to be baptized. (These criteria are the same for those who would sponsor a candidate for confirmation.)

A baptized non-Catholic Christian may be a witness to the baptism and only together with a Catholic sponsor. Non-Catholics and non-Christians may not be sponsors for baptism and confirmation.

Because the sponsor must be leading a life in harmony with the faith, the person, if married must be in a valid marriage recognized by the Church.

A baptismal sponsor may act through a proxy. One who is to act as a proxy for a sponsor must meet all of the same requirements the sponsor must meet. The proxy must be the same gender as the official sponsor. A parent or stepparent may not fulfill the role of proxy for the sponsor.

A baptized Catholic who does not meet the above mentioned requirements may not act as a Christian witness. A non-practicing Catholic (one who does not attend Mass, or has left the Catholic Church to practice another religion) may not serve as a Christian witness.

One's own pastor normally issues sponsor certificates, which declare that one is fit to serve as a sponsor for a candidate for baptism and confirmation. These are ordinarily presented o the priest or deacon administering the sacrament.

SPONSORS: EIGHT MUST-KNOW FACTS

Being a godparent (also called a sponsor) is an honor and privilege that comes with responsibilities. A godparent serves as a role model for the child, promises to support the family in raising the child in the faith, and acts as a representative of the Church and witness to the faith. Therefore, a godparent should be carefully and prayerfully chosen.

Church requirements for a godparent are:

Must be at least 16 years old and be mature enough to understand, accept, and fulfill the duties of a godparent
Must have received all the Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Eucharist, and Confirmation
Must be actively practicing the faith and in good standing with the Church (including a church marriage, if applicable)
Must be living an exemplary life consistent with faith and morals as taught by the Catholic Church
A non-Catholic baptized Christian may be chosen by the family as a Christian Witness, as long as one other godparent is a Catholic and meets the above criteria.
An unbaptized person cannot be a godparent or Christian Witness.
There must be at least one Catholic godparent for baptism; if two are chosen, they cannot be of the same gender.
A parent cannot be his/her own child’s godparent.