|  Dear
Parents,
Congratulations!
We rejoice with you as you look forward to and plan for your child's Baptism.
It is natural for you to want to give the very best to your child, and
we are glad that providing for your child includes a deep concern for
his/her spiritual life. The joy and peace that comes from a relationship
with God is the best gift that your child could ever receive. Your child
is fortunate to have you plan for his/her spiritual growth by making these
preparations for Baptism. Baptism is considered the single most important
religious moment in the life of a person. Our parish community wants your
child to have a close relationship with God and we are committed to offering
you all the help we can give. Our prayers are with your family.
THE MISSION
OF OUR CHRISTIAN FORMATION
The mission of all our Christian formation programs is to help people
become committed followers of the Jesus Christ. Our formation programs
aim to unlock the riches of the sacraments, scripture, prayer and the
Christian life. Sacraments are the meeting grounds between God and His
people. The process of Christian Initiation begins with preparation for
Baptism and then is lived out throughout one's life - which involves a
continual turning toward Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
The Catholic journey towards God, however, is not a solitary one --- we
live and move as a community --- as the People of God --- His Church.
The Catholic Church is God's gift to us. It is in this Church that you
are asking your child to be initiated into!
WHAT IS
BAPTISM?
"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 children of God; we
become members of Christ and are incorporated into the Church and made
sharers in her mission..."
(Catechism of the Catholic Church , #1213)
PARENTAL
RESPONSIBILITIES
When an adult is baptized, Baptism follows a rigorous period of instruction.
In contrast, when a child is baptized, the Baptism precedes instruction.
In light of this, the Church requires that parents give the assurance
that, upon the child's Baptism, the child will be given every benefit
of Christian and Catholic upbringing. The primary responsibility of raising
a child in the ways of faith rests with the parents. This obligation begins
with Baptism and extends all the way into adulthood. Our parish is always
happy to assist parents in their role as primary educators of their children
in the ways of faith.
If parents
are not able to give this assurance or make this solemn commitment to
the Church, they should consider delaying Baptism until they are prepared
to make a serious commitment to undertake these responsibilities.
PARISH
RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Church law permits priests to baptize the children of parents who are
full time or part time residents of their parish. Except in an emergency,
the Rite of Baptism can only be celebrated in a Catholic church building.
2. Infants from outside the parish may be baptized at St. Charles with
the written permission of their pastor. Parents are responsible to make
arrangements for us to receive this letter one month before the Baptism.
Parents may be asked to attend formation programs in their home parishes
before permission is granted.
3. St. Charles Borromeo Parish is happy to offer parent formation concerning
the responsibilities of Christian/Catholic parenting. Parents are asked
to meet with Sr. Harriet Cutting, SND, Pastoral Associate. Parents may
find it convenient to attend this formation during the pregnancy.
GODPARENTS
1. Godparents should be chosen by parents primarily to be good religious
examples to their child and not because they want to bestow a family/social
honor. Godparents will be asked to assist parents in teaching the child
about the Christian faith and are required to provide an example of the
Christian life. As representatives of the Christian community, Godparents
give witness to the Good News of Jesus Christ, in word and example.
2. The parish is responsible to make parents aware of the requirements
concerning Godparents:
(A) Only one male Godfather and one female Godmother should be chosen.
(B) At least one Godparent must be a practicing Catholic (which means
that he/she must have been baptized, received their Confirmation and First
Communion and must be actively practicing their Catholic religion).
(C) The birth mother or the father of a child are not permitted to serve
as a Godparent.
(D) Parents may choose one Godparent (Christian Witness) that is of another
CHRISTIAN religion whom they determine will be a good example of Christian
living for their child. (Canon Laws 872-874)
3. Godparents who are not members of St. Charles Borromeo parish are requested
to obtain a "Certificate of Eligibility" or "Sponsor Certificate"
from their local parish priest. This certificate should be provided to
the parish prior to scheduling the baptism.
BAPTISM
CELEBRATIONS
Ordinarily, Baptisms will be celebrated during the Saturday 5:00 PM or
the Sunday 10:30 AM Mass usually on the second Sunday of the month.
Parents may also request an individual celebration of their child's Baptism.
Arrangements should be made with the Pastor by calling the parish office.
Catholic clergymen (in good standing with the Church) who are a family
member or a friend are welcomed to celebrate an individual baptism ceremony
at St. Charles. Arrangements need to be made with the Pastor well in advance.
All baptisms must take place inside of the Church building.
WHAT IS
THE DONATION TO THE CHURCH?
Many parents and godparents inquire about a donation to the Church on
the occasion of a child's Baptism. Although there is no stipend requested,
donations are gratefully accepted.
AFTER
READING THIS BROCHURE, YOU SHOULD:
1. Call the parish office 603-279-4403 between the hours of 9:00 AM -
4:00 PM to begin the preparation process and to provide information concerning
the child.
2. Participate at a Parent Enrichment session at the church. The parish
office will contact the parents after the proper information has been
received by the parish office.
PLEASE
BE SURE TO BRING THE CERTIFICATES OF ELIGIBILITY FOR YOUR GODPARENTS
WHO ARE NOT MEMBERS OF THE PARISH AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.
Please call if you have any questions!
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