In receiving Baptism these children obtain as a gift an indelible spiritual seal, the “character” that inwardly marks their belonging to the Lord for ever and makes them living members of his Mystical Body, which is the Church. While they become part of the People of God, today a journey begins for these children which must be a journey of holiness and of conformation to Jesus, a reality that is placed within them like the seed of a splendid tree whose growth must be nurtured.
Pope Benedict XVI
Holy Baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life, the gateway to life in the Spirit (vitae spiritualis ianua), and the door which gives access to the other sacraments. Through Baptism we are freed from sin and reborn as sons 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.” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1213)
Baptism Preparation
According to canon law, “Parents are obliged to see that their infants are baptised within the first few weeks. As soon as possible after the birth, indeed even before it, they are to approach the parish priest to ask for the sacrament for their child, and to be themselves duly prepared for it” (Code of Canon Law, can. 867 §1).
It is diocesan policy that every parish provide a full and adequate preparation programme for infant baptism, and that attendance be required for parents having their first child baptised, as well as for others when appropriate. Godparents should also attend when possible. This can be arranged by speaking with Father.
The canonical requirements should be fully respected which require for an infant to be baptised that there be ‘a well-founded hope that the child will be brought up in the Catholic faith.’ If such a hope is truly lacking, the baptism should be delayed until the parents are ready to take on the serious responsibilities involved in having their children baptised (Canon 868). This is why the proper preparation of parents for the baptism of their children is so essential.
Because of the requirements pertaining to baptism preparation, it is very important to notify the Parish Priest of an impending baptism so that arrangements can be made in good time.
Baptism in one’s own parish community
The Code of Canon Law encourages that “as a rule and unless a just reason suggests otherwise, an adult is to be baptised in his or her proper parish church, and an infant in the proper parish church of the parents”.
If you do not live within the territorial boundaries of Corpus Christi, but have a good reason for wanting to have your child baptised here, please explain that to the Parish Priest. In such cases your own parish priest will need to give permission for the baptism to take place at Corpus Christi.
Those wishing to have their child baptised should find an opportunity to introduce themselves to the Rector here, ideally after Mass one Sunday, and arrange an opportunity to speak with him in person. It is impossible to arrange these things via email if you are unknown to the Rector, and as such a personal introduction ahead of a follow-up email is expected.
Godparents
The choice of godparents (sponsors), who are to help the baptised to live a good Christian life and faithfully to fulfil the duties inherent in baptism, is an important one. “There is to be only one male sponsor or one female sponsor or one of each” (Code of Canon Law, can. 873). A godparent must be a Catholic of not less than sixteen years of age, who has been confirmed and who lives a life of faith that befits the role to be undertaken. A baptised person who belongs to a non-Catholic ecclesial community may be admitted in company with a Catholic sponsor as a Christian witness.