Baptism of Infants
The baptism of infants is a treasured practice dating from the earliest tradition of the Church. Preparation for the baptism of infants is a teachable moment for both parents and the faith community. It can encourage them to re-examine the meaning of faith in their own lives. Baptismal preparation centers on God’s love, on the life, death and resurrection of Jesus, on the gift of the Holy Spirit to the Church and on the cleansing of original and personal sin. It should reflect on all life as a gift from God, on our being created to the image and likeness of God and on the blessing we have in sharing life with God and with one another.
Parents who are registered in our parish, those who have some real link to the Cathedral, and those who can present some other legitimate claim may inquire about baptism for their child. If you are registered at another parish, you are asked to obtain permission from your pastor to have your child baptized in another parish.
The Church invites parents to see to the baptism of their infants within the first weeks after birth. Some pastoral considerations are to be noted in determining when the actual celebration will take place.
Preparation of the parents (and godparents) is to be accomplished well before the baptism is to occur. We encourage it to happen prior to birth.
The health of the mother must be considered to assure her presence at the celebration of the sacrament. Her faith, along with that of her husband and of the wider Christian community, is being celebrated and shared with the child.
Any Sunday is an especially appropriate time to celebrate baptism, since it is the day that commemorates the Resurrection of the Lord. On Sundays, baptism may be celebrated during Mass so that members of the community may be present, and the necessary relationship between Baptism and Eucharist may be clearly seen. The sacrament of Baptism may also be celebrated outside of Mass. It may also be celebrated on Saturdays or other days when the schedule permits.
Call the Rectory and ask to speak with a priest: 304-233-4121. The priest will give you more information and set up a time to meet with you to discuss the
necessary preparation. We ask that you please come to your initial meeting with the names of your child’s Godparents as well as their Godparent letters (see the question below re: Godparent letters).
Attend the baptism preparation class, which is in person.
Then you can schedule your child’s baptism with a priest or deacon.
Children can be baptized anytime between birth and age 7.
Baptisms can take place in a private ceremony, usually on a Saturday or Sunday. However, it is strongly encouraged to have your child baptized during a Sunday Mass. This underscores the communal nature of the sacraments as public celebrations of faith and allows the parish community to join in the joyful occasion. Celebrating Baptism within Mass also highlights the essential connection between Baptism and the Eucharist, deepening our understanding of these sacred mysteries.
Any Catholic at least sixteen (16) years of age and who has all the sacraments of initiation – they have been baptized, have received Holy Communion, and have been confirmed – can be a Godparent. The child’s parents cannot be Godparents.
The Godparent letters are letters or certificates, from the Catholic parish to which the Godparents belong that in which the pastor at the Godparents’ parish assures us they are practicing Catholics.
The baptism prep class covers the basic theology and spirituality of baptism and focuses on the practice of letting go to help parents connect with God in their everyday lives. Letting go is a way to describe a Christian sharing in the Paschal Mystery, which is the dying and rising of Jesus Christ.
Parents are required to attend. Godparents are encouraged to attend.
The baptism prep class is typically held privately with the priest at the Cathedral and can be scheduled at your convenience.
Only one Godparent is required to celebrate an infant baptism.
Family or friends who are not Catholic are welcome to celebrate the baptism of your child. Only Catholics can act as Godparents for Catholic baptisms, but other Christians can act as a “Christian Witness.” Your family still needs at least one Godparent, but a Christian Witness is welcome to stand with you as your child is baptized.
