Baptism

INFANT BAPTISM PREPARATION

In bringing children to the Church for Baptism, parents share with their children the gift of faith and the gift of a community of faith. This tiny new life, that expresses the love people share, is drawn into the life of the Catholic faith community.

I pray that you will actively live your Catholic faith at Church and at home (the domestic church), raising your child in the faith through your example of living like Christ, but also through family prayer, and discussion of the faith. Before beginning this process, it is necessary that you are already attending Mass each Sunday with your child and that you continue attending through this process. Further, it is necessary that you are registered at our parish for at least three months prior to beginning the steps of baptism preparation, and at least one parent must be a practicing Catholic.

Also, if you, as parents, have not received the Sacrament of Marriage and/or the Sacrament of Confirmation, we will be grateful to help you with that. Neither precludes you from having your child baptized but an irregular marriage status does present some pastoral challenges with your ability to receive Communion. There are many misunderstandings in these areas so please give us the chance to explain and help you.

To get started, including learning more about preparation and class schedule, please come by the office to pick up a Baptism Packet.

Choosing a Godparent For Your Child

It is an honor and a privilege to be asked to be a Godparent or Sponsor for a candidate of the Sacrament of Baptism, but it is also a responsibility. This religious commitment challenges the one so honored to be a responsible partner and a good example in mentoring the faith life of the person to be baptized.

Church law requires that the sponsor (Canons 872, 873, 874):

Be designated by the one to be baptized, by the parents or the person who takes their place, or in their absence by the pastor or minister and have the intention of fulfilling this function
You must have received the Sacrament of Confirmation
You must be a practicing Catholic:
• Attend Mass regularly and receive the Sacraments
• If married, the marriage is recognized by the Catholic Church
• If not married, must not be in a cohabitating relationship
• Not under any canonical penalties
You must be at least 16 years old
You must not be the parent of the one who is to be baptized and must have taken a Baptismal Preparation class within two years prior to the date of Baptism.

A baptized person who belongs to a non-Catholic ecclesial community may serve as a witness to baptism, rather than as a Catholic godparent.

BAUTISMO PREPARACIÓN (en español)

Necesitan asistir una sola clase.

De: 5:45-9pm, el primer sábado del mes (no hay clases en la Semana Santa).

Padres y Padrinos deben asistir a la clase.

Para comenzar, pase por la oficina para recoger un paquete de bautismo.

BAPTISM FOR THOSE ABOVE AGE SEVEN

For those seeking Baptism who are above the age of reason (normally considered to be about seven years of age), including adults, we have programs called Order of Christian Initiation for Adults and Order of Christian Initiation for Children. Please click here for more information.

IF YOU NEED A GODPARENT LETTER

If you are a St. Philomena parishioner that has been asked to be a Godparent for a child not of our parish and need a letter, please contact the Parish Office at (206) 878-8709. Please note what Canon Law of the Catholic Church requires (listed on the form), to ensure you meet the requirements. Additionally, we ask that you make your request a minimum of 14 days prior to the date of the Baptism.