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Baptismal Policy
Policy Regarding the Celebration of the
Sacrament of Baptism for Infants and Children
The instruction of the Church for the Sacrament
of Baptism tells us: “Before the celebration of the
sacrament, it is of great importance that parents, moved by their
own faith or with the help of friends or other members of the
community, should prepare to take part in the Rite with
understanding. They should be provided with suitable means such as
booklets, instructions, and catechisms written for families…”
The following policy is our effort to meet this
instruction. We have designed it to try to make sure that you and
your family have the best preparation we can offer for such a
beautiful Sacrament.
THE INTERVIEW
Preparation for the Sacrament of Baptism begins with an interview
with the Pastor or one of the parish priests. We request that you
bring the child’s birth certificate to the interview. The reason
for this request is that a Baptismal Certificate is a legal
document that must accurately reflect what is on your child’s
birth certificate.
The purpose of this interview will be to get to
know the parents and determine their ability to raise the child in
the Catholic faith.
We request that BOTH parents attend the
interview. We will not conduct the interview in the absence of one
of the parents. Interviews with a priest will be held on the 2nd
and 4th Sundays of each month after the 11:15 am Mass and should
be scheduled in advance by calling the church office at
518-584-6122 during business hours.
MEMBERSHIP
Through the Sacrament of Baptism, we become members of the
community of the Church. We therefore urge you to become a
registered member if you are not already registered. We likewise
expect that both parents attend Sunday Mass regularly since they
will make the commitment to raise their children in the Catholic
Faith.
THE GODPARENTS
The role of the Godparents is to assist the parents in raising the
child as a Catholic. Likewise, they are to offer the child a good
example of Christian living. We therefore require that the
Godparents bring a letter from their Pastor stating that they are
Catholics in good standing. Godparents will not be permitted to
serve without this letter. We likewise require that the Godparents
attend the preparation class for the Sacrament.
PREPARATION CLASSES
Preparation classes will be held on the First and Third Saturdays
of the month (or the last day of the previous month if that is a
Saturday) from 11 am - Noon in the Parish Center Chapel. Both
parents and Godparents MUST attend these classes. If anyone misses
the class, the Celebration of the Sacrament will not be permitted.
Parents and Godparents are requested to come ON TIME. Also, we ask
that you NOT bring children since they distract from the class.
CELEBRATION OF BAPTISM
The Sacrament of Baptism is a Celebration of membership in the
community. Thus, the Sacrament will ONLY be celebrated during the
Sunday 11:15 am Mass on the FIRST SUNDAY of each month and after
the 11:15 am Mass on the THIRD SUNDAY of each month (beginning at
12:30 pm) with not more than 5 infants receiving the Sacrament at
each time.
DONATIONS
In an effort to help support the Church, we request a MINIMUM
donation of $50.00. Special envelopes will be provided for your
donation and it will be deeply appreciated.
CHILDREN OF SCHOOL AGE
Children who are younger than 7 years of age must first be
registered in Religious Education classes and will be required to
attend Baptism Preparation classes with the Director of Religious
Education. The Director of Religious Education will notify the
Parents and the Pastor when the child has received sufficient
instruction in the faith. You may contact the Director of
Religious Education during business hours at 518-587-3611.
Children who are older than 7 years of age will
enter the RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation) process with the
Director of Religious Education in preparation for receiving the
Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist).
You may contact the Director of Religious Education during
business hours at 518-587-3611.
FINAL NOTE
While we certainly do not wish to make the Celebration of the
Sacrament of Baptism a difficult experience, we do want to make it
a meaningful one for each of you. We are always available as your
brothers and sisters to help and support you in Christ.
May God bless you and your children with
abundant life!
Review
Baptism Schedule
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