The Catholic Church refers to baptism as a “sacrament of initiation.” Sacraments are comprised of actions that are more than merely symbolic. Rather, sacraments provide a visible sign which make present God’s grace in a particular way. In other words, sacraments provide visible actions that help us to see the saving action of God.
Who can be baptized?
The Catholic Church teaches that “Every person not yet baptized and only such a person is able to be baptized.” Baptism can only be received once because the grace of baptism remains with us forever. As such it is not possible to be baptized more than once.
Why do we baptize infants?
Infants (and really all of us) are actually baptized on the faith of the community of believers rather than our own faith. As such, infants are dependent upon the faith of their parents for baptism as God grants the graces of baptism at the request of the parent rather than the infant. In this way, infant baptism exemplifies the “sheer gratuitousness of the grace of salvation”which comes from God alone. God reaches down to us as a free gift which we can in no way merit (whether we are an adult or an infant).
What do Godparents promise?
During an infant baptism, godparents (also called sponsors) promise to help the child “to lead a Christian life in keeping with baptism and to fulfill faithfully the obligations inherent in it.” This means godparents must be prepared to both support and help the parents in the spiritual education of the child. They must be prepared to solely take on the task of passing on the faith to their godchild if for any reason the parents are unable to fulfill the promises they made for the infant at baptism
Baptisms at Most Holy Trinity
Baptisms can be scheduled to be performed either during a mass or in the chapel by appointment. Baptism will be scheduled at the preparation meeting.
A Baptismal preparation class is mandatory for parents and godparents prior to the baptism unless they have attended a class before. Baptismal preparation class lasts about an hour. You will be asked to complete a form for the baptismal records for the parish.
There can be two godparents. Both must be over the age of 16 and baptized Christian. One must be a practicing, confirmed Catholic. If one or both godparents attend a preparation class in a different parish, we need a letter from that parish giving the date they completed the class. Please contact Deacon Norman Cantrelle (228) 731-8565 or ncantrelle@gmail.com if you need more information.