Baptism

Parents

"The Sacrament of Baptism is the first step in a lifelong journey of commitment and discipleship. Whether we are baptized as infants or adults, Baptism is the Church's way of celebrating and enacting the embrace of God. The sacrament of Baptism initiates one into God's family and into the parish family. At Christ the Divine Shepherd Parish, we are committed to making the celebration of the sacrament of baptism very special and meaningful for you and your family."

Baptisms are by appointment only. The will be held at various times depending on the CDS Parish church you decide to have your child baptized at.

Parents are required to take a Baptism preparation class. One of the goals of the class is to help parents become aware of the significance of Baptism as a beginning, not an end, to a spiritual lifelong commitment for their child.

Godparents

Selecting a qualified Godparent is very important.  The church expects that at least one parent and one godparent will be practicing, active members of a Catholic parish community. Godparents will need to present a letter from their pastor attesting that they are a practicing, confirmed Catholic, over the age of sixteen, as well as copies of their Baptism Certificate showing Confirmation and no bounds by any canonical penalty.

Godparent Requirements According to Church Law (c.874)

Godparents must be at least 16 years old.  If there are two Godparents, one must be male and one must be female.  

The Godparent must be a fully initiated Catholic Christian.  This means that he/she is baptized, receives Eucharist, is confirmed and has no bounds by any canonical penalty.

The Godparent must be practicing the Catholic faith.  This means they are regularly attending and participating at Masses and should be registered at a Catholic parish.  This also means that if married, he/she was married in the Catholic Church, and if no longer married, the marriage was annulled or they have not remarried.

If the selected Godparent cannot be present at the time of Baptism, a proxy (relative or friend) may be invited to stand in for them during the Baptism.

The parents should be registered members of Christ the Divine Shepherd Parish or at the parish they plan to attend with their newly baptized child.  If they are members of another parish seeking Baptism in a CDS church, a letter will be required from their parish granting permission for the Baptism to be held at any of our churches.

If you are interested in having your child baptized, please contact Deacon Mike at his contact info