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Baptism

The sacrament of baptism ushers us into the divine life, cleanses us from sin, and initiates us as members of the Christian community.  It is the foundation for the sacramental life.

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The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches:

"The fruit of Baptism, or baptismal grace, is a rich reality that includes forgiveness of original sin and all personal sins, birth into the new life by which man becomes an adoptive son of the Father, a member of Christ and a temple of the Holy Spirit.  By this very fact the person baptized is incorporated into the Church, the Body of Christ, and made a sharer in the priesthood of Christ" (CCC 1279).

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Freed from Sin

Baptism frees us from the bondage of original and actual sin.  Water is poured in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.  Today, the sacrament of baptism is often performed on infants, shortly after birth.  Adult baptisms take place at the Easter Vigil through the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA).  Adults or children who have been baptized in a valid Christian church are not baptized again in the Catholic church.  There is only one Baptism.  

While in ordinary circumstances. sacraments in the Catholic Church are administered validly by a member of the ordained clergy, in an emergency situation, the sacrament of baptism can be administered by anyone.  In case of necessity (imminent death, etc.), any person can baptize provided that he have the intention of doing that which the Church does and provided that he pour water on the candidates head while saying "I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit".  

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The Signs of Baptism

All sacraments of the Church are accompanied by physical signs.  The signs of baptism include water, the Paschal candle, and the white garment.  Click here for more information about the signs of baptism.

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Choosing Godparents

The Church requires that you choose godparents to assist in bringing your child up in the faith and guiding them on their faith journey.  Canon law (874-876) specifies the following requirements for Catholic godparents:

  • Must be at least 16 years of age.

  • Must be baptized Catholic and completed the sacraments of Eucharist and Confirmation.

  • May not be the parent of the child being baptized.

  • If married, must be married in the Catholic Church, regularly attending Mass on Sunday, and living their Faith.  The two godparents do not have to be married to one another.

  • A baptized non-Catholic may not be a godparent but may serve as a witness along with a Catholic godparent.

  • Non-baptized persons may not serve as witnesses or godparents.

Click here for more information about choosing godparents.

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BAPTISM AT ST. BARBARA CHECKLIST

The following is required in order to schedule a Baptism at St. Barbara.

All required materials must be emailed to Allison at allison@stbarbarachurch.org

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  • Family registered at St. Barbara (or letter of permission from your pastor for the baptism to take place at St. Barbara)

  • Baptism Information Form (see below)

  • Copy of child's Birth certificate

  • Baptism preparation class for both mother & father (study guide from Formed Reborn class or verification of class from another parish required)

  • Attend one, Saturday in-person Baptism class at the parish 

  • Godparent Information Form (see below)

  • Baptism preparation class for both godparents (study guide from Formed Reborn class or verification of class from another parish required)

  • Copy of Godparent Confirmation certificate or annotated Baptismal certificate (with Confirmation indicated)

  • If you have a Christian witness, a copy of their Baptismal certificate

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Please fill out the following forms, save them to your computer and email them to: allison@stbarbarachurch.org.

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