BAPTISM

Do parents need to be registered parishioners to have their child baptized at Holy Innocents?

Yes, parents must be registered parishioners at Holy Innocents Parish to have their child baptized, in accordance with the Church’s expectation that parents are active members of the parish community (Canon 873). Registration can be completed by visiting the parish office during business hours or online through the parish website.

Are there special requirements for baptizing a child aged 7 or older?

Yes, children aged 7 or older are considered to have reached the age of reason and must receive instruction in the Catholic faith through a program adapted from the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (O.C.I.A.), designed specifically for children. This prepares them to make a personal commitment to the sacrament of Baptism (Canon 873).

Is it mandatory for both parents to attend the Baptismal Preparation Class?

Yes, both parents must attend a Baptismal Preparation Class to prepare for their commitment to raise their child in the Catholic faith, as required by Canon 873, which emphasizes the parents’ role in the child’s Christian upbringing. The class helps deepen their understanding of the sacrament’s meaning, beauty, and importance. This requirement may only be waived in cases of extreme emergency or serious circumstances.

What happens in the case of an emergency Baptism?

In cases of grave emergency, such as a child in danger of death, Baptism can be administered without delay, and requirements like the Baptismal Preparation Class may be waived (Canon 868 §2). Parents should contact the parish office or a priest immediately to arrange for an emergency Baptism.

Do godparents need to attend a Baptismal Preparation Class?

Yes, godparents (also called sponsors) play a key role in the child’s Christian upbringing and must be prepared for their responsibilities during and after the Baptismal Rite, as outlined in Canon 874 §2, which requires sponsors to be suitably prepared. Holy Innocents requires all godparents to attend a Baptismal Preparation Class, either at our parish or their own.

How many godparents are required?

Per Canon 873, a child must have at least one godparent, but no more than two (one male and one female). At least one godparent must meet the requirements outlined in Canon 874 §1, and a baptized non-Catholic Christian may serve as a Christian witness alongside a Catholic godparent (Canon 874 §2).

Can a baptized non-Catholic Christian serve as a godparent?

No, only practicing Catholics who meet specific requirements can serve as godparents, as specified in Canon 874 §1, which requires godparents to be Catholic, at least 16 years old (though Holy Innocents sets the minimum at 18), have received Baptism, First Communion, and Confirmation, be able and willing to help raise the child in the Catholic faith, and not be under any canonical penalty. However, a baptized non-Catholic Christian may serve as a Christian witness alongside a Catholic godparent, provided they are baptized in a recognized Christian denomination and committed to supporting the child’s spiritual growth (Canon 874 §2).

Can someone who is not married in the Catholic Church serve as a godparent?

A godparent does not need to be married to serve in this role. A single person who is at least 18 years old, has received Baptism, First Communion, and Confirmation, has never been married (either civilly or in the Church), and is living according to the Church’s teachings can serve as a godparent, as outlined in Canon 874 §1. If a godparent is married, they must be validly married in the Catholic Church to serve as a faithful example of the Catholic faith for the child and parents.

Are parents required to have received all three initial sacraments and be married in the Catholic Church?

While parents are not strictly required to have received all three initial sacraments (Baptism, First Communion, and Confirmation) or to be married in the Catholic Church, Canon 873 and Canon 868 §1 emphasize that parents must be committed to raising the child in the Catholic faith. Holy Innocents encourages parents to be in full communion with the Church and, if married, to have a valid Catholic marriage. If parents have not received all sacraments or are not married in the Church, the parish offers guidance and support, such as catechetical programs or marriage convalidation, to help them fully embrace their role in their child’s faith journey.

What documents are required for Baptism?

• A copy of the child’s birth certificate.

• For godparents:

  • Copies of their Baptism, First Communion, and Confirmation certificates.

  • A copy of their Catholic marriage certificate, if married.

  • If not registered parishioners at Holy Innocents, a letter from their home parish confirming their active membership, sacramental status (Baptism, First Communion, Confirmation), and eligibility to serve as godparents.