Pages
- Corpus Christi Calendars
- Homilies & Reflections
- Giving
- Pastoral Services
- Faith Formation for Adults
- Faith Formation for Children & Youth
- Children’s Liturgy of the Word
- Curriculum – Resources
- Harassment Policy
- Noah’s Ark Nursery
- Parent/Student Handbook 2011-2012
- Parish Program Policies & Procedures
- Prayers/Oraciones
- Sacramental Information
- Safe Environment Policies
- Schedule of Classes
- Share Your Time With Us
- Summer Bible Camp
- Upcoming Events
- Youth Ministry
- Music Ministries
- General Information
- Our School – Pre-K – 8
- ¿Habla Español?
- Catholic Links
- Contact Us
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Donations/Fees/Purchases
Categories
Archives
Infant Baptism – Newborn to 6 years old
Sacramental Information
‘I baptize you in the name of the Father,
and of the Son,
and of the Holy Spirit’
What do I need to do to have my baby baptized?
Welcome! Your desire to have your child baptized into the Body of Christ reflects your commitment to live your life in a Catholic Christian way. Corpus Christi Catholic Church looks forward to welcoming your baby as a new member of our spiritual family.
Since ancient times, the Church in preparing children to be baptized has asked parents to express their intention to raise them in the faith of the Catholic Church. In accordance with these teachings, we at Corpus Christi Parish hope to share our baptismal journey with you into the Kingdom of God through the sacramental life of our parish.
The following information will help you understand the Rite of Baptism, your commitment as parents and the important role of the godparents passing the Catholic faith to your child.
Think about how you want to give your child the gift of Catholic faith by personal example. Read these questions and answer them honestly and prayerfully.
Am I fully engaged in my life of faith? If not, spiritually re-engage with your life of faith.
Am I a registered member of Corpus Christi parish? If not, attend our next New Member Welcome and officially register at Corpus Christi.
Do I attend Mass every Sunday? If not, start coming to Mass every Sunday.
Am I in full communion with the Church’s teachings, especially with regard to being validly married in the Catholic Church? If not, marriage preparation is available. Please contact Deacon Dave at 988-1593 ext. 102 in the parish office for more information.
As a registered member, do I contribute with my time, talent and treasure to the mission of the Catholic Church here at Corpus Christi? If not, call Terry Boehm, Director of Stewardship at 988-1593 ext. 103 for information about opportunities to volunteer and be part of your spiritual family.
Are my other children being trained in the Catholic Faith? If not, enroll them in our faith formation Sunday classes or Catholic school. For Faith Formation classes, contact Lily Hughson, Director of Faith Formation at 988-1593 ext, 106. For Corpus Christi School call the school office at 988-1722.
What happens during the Rite of Baptism?
Here is a brief summary of the most important parts of the Rite of Baptism. Please read this along with your godparents. It is important that everyone knows and understands their role during the Rite of Baptism.
Sign of the Cross: the celebrant traces the sing of the Cross on the child’s forehead. Parents and godparents do the same. ‘In Baptism you are claimed for Christ.’
Litany of Saints: the entire community is present.
Renunciation of Sin & Profession of Faith: Parents, Catholic godparents and the assembly renew their baptismal promises by responding “I do” at the required times.
Font and Baptismal water: parents and godparents come to the font. Celebrant pours water over child’s head three times: “In the Name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”
Anointing with Chrism: the celebrant anoints child on the head with the sacred Chrism.
White garment: the celebrant gives garment to godparent to put on infant.
Baptism candle: godparent lights the candle ‘This light is the light of Christ’
Prayer over ears and mouth: celebrant prays while touching child’s ears and mouth.
Who would be the best godparent for my child?
It is an ancient custom of the Catholic Church that at the Baptism of infants, there must be at least one Catholic godparent and no more than two, one of each gender, chosen to assist the parent in raising the child in the faith and to represent the expanded spiritual family of the child and the role of the Church as the mother.
Later, godparents help the parents so that children will profess the faith chosen for them and live up to it. Their role is to ensure that the rich and beautiful faith of the Catholic Church is passed on to the child in the most loving and authentic way possible.
Corpus Christi Church’s guidelines for godparents correspond to the Universal Law of the Church. See Canon 874 and Canon 893 of the Code of Canon Law.
A godparent is a person who fulfills the following requirements:
□ each child to be baptized may have one Catholic godfather and one Catholic godmother or one Catholic godparent and one Christian witness.
□ the father or mother of the one to be baptized cannot be the godparent
□ the godparent is a member of the Catholic Church in full communion with all the Church teachings
□ the godparent has received the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Communion
□ the godparent lives an exemplary Catholic life by attending Mass weekly, receiving Holy Communion and receiving the sacrament of Penance at least once a year
□ Those Catholics who are married outside the Catholic Church or who are living with someone outside marriage may not be godparents at this time.
Check list for baptizing an infant up to 6 years of age
□ Plan to take the one hour baptismal class at least one month before the date you would like to have the baptism take place. This will help you to really see what is involved in raising your child in the faith; to organize all the paperwork needed and to understand the ceremony.
□ Remember, you need to be a registered member of our parish. If you are not registered, first you need to attend a New Member Welcome. After attending and becoming a member, you can call the parish office to sign up for the class. Space is limited, so sign up early!
□ The baptismal class is offered the third Sunday of each month at 10:30 am in English in the Science Lab and at 11:30 am in Spanish in the Science Lab. Classes are not offered during the month of July.
□ Expectant parents: take the class before the baby is born!
□ Choose eligible Catholic godparents according to the guidelines listed above. Invite them to the class if they are members of our parish.
□ After taking the class, prepare and bring the required paperwork to the parish office. All these forms must be received by the Director of Faith Formation before a baptism can be scheduled. The date requested in the yellow form does not mean that the date is confirmed.
□ If the godparents are not registered members at Corpus Christi parish, they must arrange to have a certificate of membership and permission letter sent from their Catholic parish to our office as soon as possible. This letter can be sent by fax to: Lily Hughson Fax # (813) 985-3583.
□ Call Lily Hughson, Director of Faith Formation at least two weeks before the date of the Baptism to ensure that everything is in order.
□ If you need to cancel or re-schedule, please contact Lily Hughson, Director of Faith Formation immediately at 988-1593 ext. 106 and leave a message.
□ Baptisms are celebrated in English on the 3rd Saturday of the month at 10:00 am. No baptisms are celebrated if the 3rd Saturday of the month falls on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, or during the Season of Lent. Baptisms are celebrated in Spanish on the 3rd Sunday of the month at 2:30 pm. No baptisms are celebrated if the 3rd Sunday of the month falls on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, one of the Sundays of Lent, Palm Sunday or Easter Sunday.
□ All infant Baptisms are scheduled through Lily Hughson, Director of Faith Formation. Special requests will be considered and determined on an individual basis.