Baptism
Holy Baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life, the gateway to life in the Spirit, and the door which gives access to the other sacraments. Through Baptism we are freed from sin and reborn as children of God; we become members of Christ, are incorporated into the Church and made sharers in her mission (CCC 1213)
Baptism of Infants (Children under the age of 7 are considered to be infants by church law. See OCIA Adapted for Families for older children)
Requirements:
Fill out a Baptismal information form. You may download this form here, complete it in your computer and email it to Beatriz at sjc-Sacraments@gpcsd.ca. Forms are also available at the parish office. Click here to download: Baptism Information Form . You can contact Beatriz in Spanish and French too.
A copy of the Baptism certificate of one parent and both Godparents (at least one practicing Catholic) is necessary.
At least one parent must be a Baptized Catholic to ensure that the child will be brought up in the Catholic faith, and provide a copy of their baptism certificate.
Prerequisites for Godparents
Usually there are two Godparents, at least one must be:
- Baptized and Confirmed Catholic (need to provide copy of baptism certificate)
- At least sixteen years of age
- One male and/or one female, although one Godparent is sufficient
- Practicing their faith and a prayer life centered in the Eucharist
- Willing to help educate and nurture the Catholic faith to the child
- Willing to develop a spiritual relationship with your child throughout their lives
A baptized person who belongs to a non-Catholic community may participate, along with a Catholic godparent, as a Christian witness of the baptism.
Parent Preparation:
Parents are asked to attend a 90 min virtual Baptism Preparation sessions (happening the first Saturday of the month) and fill out a review form. Our next session will be May 6, 2023, form 2 to 4 pm. The link will be sent after submitting the Information form.
Baptism celebrations:
Baptisms are happening on Sundays, at 2 pm. There will be NO baptisms during Lent, from February 22nd until April 8th, nor on April 23th.
Resources:
Parents are invited to watch the series “Reborn” on FORMED. St. Joseph Catholic Church has an account with FORMED. Please visit FORMED.org. 1. Click sign up. 2. Select “I belong to a parish or organization”. 3. Type in St. Joseph Grande Prairie. 4. Enter your email. 5. Under Sacraments find Reborn.
If you have older children, age 4 and up, help them prepare for their or their sibling’s baptism by watching with them Brother Francis‘ video about baptism.
Please contact Beatriz at 780-532-2351, ext. 228, for more information.
Make the time of preparation for your child’s baptism a spiritual one, a strengthening of your faith, a refresher for your own relationship with the Lord and to be greater witnesses in the world. Baptism of your child will certainly bring about great graces in your child(ren), however, the lasting and mature fruits can only be experienced if the Christian faith is genuinely practiced and shared in your family.
At the beginning of the baptismal rite the Priest asks this question: “What do you ask of God’s Church for N ……?” and you answer: “BAPTISM”.
Then, the celebrant continues to remind you of your important responsibilities as Christian parents in these or similar words:
“You have asked to have your children baptized. In doing so you are accepting the responsibility of training them in the practice of the faith. It will be your duty to bring them up to keep God’s commandments as Christ taught us, by loving God and our neighbour.
Do you clearly understand what you are undertaking?”
It is so easy to routinely say; “Yes” but this “Yes” should be a real commitment to practice your faith, and at the same time trust in the Lord’s help and his Church.