Baptism

IMMACULATE CONCEPTION • ST. JOHN • ST. JOSEPH • ST. LAWRENCE

Baptism

“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.” – CCC 1213

At the end of His ministry on earth, Jesus commended His Apostles, “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” (Matthew 28:19). We fulfill Jesus’ mission by imparting the grace-filled waters of baptism to numerous people each year.

For more information about Baptism, click here. (Click “Next” to navigate through the pages and read the full section in the Catechism on Baptism.)

If you are interested in having a child baptized, please call the parish office 419-738-2115. We will ask for some basic information and, if it is your first child, schedule your baptism class. Baptisms of children normally occur during or immediately following Saturday Vigil/Sunday Masses.

If you are an adult seeking baptism or your child is in second grade or beyond, please contact Lisa Fullenkamp about your baptism. You can call her at 419-738-2115 or email her at [email protected].

Concerning Godparents

One of the blessings of Baptism is that you get to select a godparent. This person serves as a mentor in faith. More than being a friend, family member, or good person, they should be filled with the love of God and dedicated to the Catholic way of life. An ideal godparent is someone who prays daily, worships God weekly at Mass, is generous, and will support and encourage the candidate in their faith.

There can be only one man and one woman as godparents. One of the godparents may be a baptized non-Catholic Christian who practices their Christian faith in the denomination to which they belong. If such is the case, please provide a letter from their pastor stating they are an active member of their church.

There are two minimum requirements for a Catholic godparent. These requirements are: 1) The Catholic must be confirmed. 2) If the Catholic is married, they must be married in the Church. There is one requirement of a non-Catholic godparent for baptism: If he or she was baptized as a Catholic and has joined another church, they have separated themselves from full communion with the Church and cannot serve in this role. These minimum requirements can’t be altered or dispensed. We simply ask your honesty in these matters.

If you are struggling to decide on godparents, implore the Lord’s assistance. May the Holy Spirit reveal to you who God has planned to serve in this role.