Baptism
The Baptismal Process
Baptisms are by appointment only. At least one-month notice is required. They are celebrated on the first Sunday of each month at 1:30 p.m. in the Church. Baptismal preparation is offered every Second Monday of the month at 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. in the Blackwell Room. This preparation is a requirement for receiving the Sacrament of Baptism. The parents may propose the dates of their choice for the Baptism Preparation session and for their child's Baptism. These dates will be confirmed or re-dated by the parish office after referring to the parish calendar. Parents will be contacted about any changes. Kindly return the Baptismal Registration Form along with the donation envelope (minimum $50.00 donation) to the parish office.
Baptism at St. John Vianney
Baptism
For a babe in arms, child or adult, Baptism is the beginning of one's life in Christ. Through this Sacrament, we die to sin and are reborn as children of God and members of the body of Christ, the Church. As followers of Christ, we are then challenged to share His work, to minister to his people and to profess His love. Of the seven Sacraments in the church three constitute 'Sacraments of Initiation': Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation. The child who is baptized and received into the Church will begin to be nourished by the Body and Blood of Christ when he/she attains the age of reasoning. Later at the threshold of adulthood, the youngster will be confirmed in Christian life with the seal of the Holy Spirit empowering him/her to bear witness to Christ in life.
The Parents
In presenting their child for baptism, the parents show that they want him/her to grow up as a Christian and they take on the responsibility to give a Christian upbringing. They lead their child to the knowledge of God, and by their example prepares him/her for sharing the Eucharist and for Confirmation. The baptismal liturgy gives great importance to the commitment of the parents to develop in their children a life of faith. Parents who find themselves in unusual circumstances, i.e., single, common-law union, or civil marriage outside of the Catholic Church should give serious consideration as to how this will affect their ability to provide a strong example of faith for their children. The priests at St. John Vianney Parish will be happy to discuss these implications with the parents.
The Godparents
Godparents are spiritual representatives of the Church, and as such assist the parents in teaching the child to profess the faith and express it in their lives. The godparents must have, therefore the following qualities:
- The godparents you choose must be 16 years of age or older and have received the three Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation.
- Be active members of the Catholic Church.
- Be mature enough to undertake the responsibility.
- In special circumstances, a baptized believing member of another Christian Church, along with a Catholic godparent, may act as a Christian witness.
Baptismal Preparation
Preparation for Baptism enables the parents and godparents to gain a fuller knowledge and understanding of the meaning of Baptism. It allows for thought and discussion regarding their spiritual hopes for their child and also for themselves and the very important roles they play in the child's spiritual growth. If the parents are not yet ready to fully profess and practice the faith of the Catholic Church, the facilitator may encourage them to delay the Baptism until they are ready to make this commitment.
Photography
We do not allow pictures to be taken, either stills or videos, during the ceremony. In order to avoid any embarrassing situations with your family and guests on the day of Baptism please inform them of this notice. You are most welcome to take pictures and video immediately following the Baptism and the priest who baptized your child would be most happy to be in any pictures you wish to take.