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 and daughters of God; we become members of Christ, are incorporated into the Church and made sharers in her mission: "Baptism is the sacrament of regeneration through water in the word." To baptize (Greek baptizein) means to "plunge" or "immerse"; the "plunge" into the water symbolizes the catechumen's burial into Christ's death, from which he rises up by resurrection with him, as "a new creature." (see CCC 1213-1214)
The Sacrament of Baptism is available to persons of any age: infants, children, youth and adults. Youth or adults seeking Baptism can receive further guidance at the OCIA page.
If you're seeking a baptism certificate for a baptism that occurred in our parish, please fill out a request form. Baptismal information and/or certificate requests may take 5-7 business days to complete. Please note: this request is for an official baptism certificate with notations of other sacraments. It is different from the ceremonial certificate given to families as keepsakes at the time of baptism.
BAPTISM - INFANTS & YOUNG CHILDREN
Baptism marks the beginning of the process of initiation into the life of Christ and into the Catholic Christian community. Baptisms are celebrated at St. Aloysius on the following dates.
Parents interested in baptizing their young child or infant may review the infant baptism policy and send the completed Baptismal Information Form to the Pastoral Services Center either by hand or in the mail or emailing Leslie Doyle, ldoyle@staloysiusparish.com. A baptism date and time will be set once all paperwork and notice of seminar attendance has been received from parents and godparents.
GODPARENT ELIGIBILITY
Godparents play a vital role in the faith of a child. The godparent(s) represents the Catholic Church at Baptism and serves as a role model throughout the child’s life by living a fully Christian life. A godparent is a fully initiated Catholic who is in good standing with the church. Godparents must (1) have received Sacrament of Confirmation in the Catholic Church; (2) if married, the Sacrament of Marriage [i.e., married by Catholic priest or deacon in a Catholic Church, or married with a Dispensation from Canonical Form]; (3) regularly attend Mass on Sundays & Holy Days of Obligation & able to receive Holy Communion in a state of grace; (4) be at least 16 years of age; and (5) and not be the biological parent, adoptive parent, or step-parent.
All godparents must complete and submit the Sponsor Eligibility Form. If godparents are not registered in St. Aloysius Parish, they must have the Sponsor Eligibility Form signed by their pastor indicating that they are registered parishioners and meet all the qualifications to serve as a godparent.
The Catholic Church only requires one official sponsor (godparent) to serve at the baptism. If two are chosen, one must be male and the other female. If a person has never been a baptized Catholic, they can serve as a Christian Witness. They must have been christened or baptized in a mainstream Protestant denomination. Once someone has been baptized Catholic, they must adhere to all of the Catholic godparent eligibility requirements. They cannot be a baptized Catholic who is not practicing the Catholic faith.
BAPTISMAL SEMINAR
Participation in a Baptismal Seminar is required for all parents and godparents/witnesses. St. Aloysius offers an online baptismal seminar. This seminar consists of 3 five minute videos from the Dynamic Catholic Starting Point program. At the end of the seminar, participants are able to print or save a certificate of completion to submit for verification. Parents and godparents/witnesses who have attended a seminar in another church parish or viewed the online seminar within the past five years are exempt.