The Sacrament of Baptism

Steps to preparing for your child’s Baptism

1. Parents and God Parents attend a Baptism Preparation Class: If you have attended this class in person within the last three years, you are not required to attend again, though you may if you wish. It is ideal if both parents attend the class, but we understand if circumstances make it so that only one parent may attend. Children are welcome to attend with you. Baptism preparation class does not need to be at Our Lady of Lourdes but if the class is taken at another parish, the parish needs to write a letter stating that you completed the course.
2. Parents select Godparents:  You must select at least one and no more than two. If you select two, one must be female and the other male.  At least one must meet the requirements of Godparent over the age of 16, fully initiated Catholic. If married must be married in the church, and an active, participating member of his/her parish. The second Godparent may also meet the requirements, or may be a Christian Witness if they are a baptized Christian but do not meet the Godparent requirements. If the Godparent(s) attend church somewhere other than Our Lady of Lourdes, they will need to fill out a Godparent Eligibility Form and have it signed by their parish priest.
3. Complete Baptism Registration Form
4. Provide a copy of the child’s birth certificate.
5. Meet with the Director of Faith Formation Shaina Silliker, (321) 723-3636 ex 3020

FAQs

• Why select Sponsors/Godparents? As Catholics, we select Godparents for our children to assist us in raising our children in the faith. Godparents must be practicing Catholics so that they can be a witness of the faith, a role model of how to lead a Sacramental life, and help the child grow in understanding of the Church’s teachings.
• What is a Christian Witness? Members of other Christian churches may serve as a Christian Witness as long as there is also one eligible Godparent.
• I am not married in the Catholic Church. Can I have my child baptized?  Parents do not need to be married in the Catholic Church to have their child baptized.
• When are Baptisms Scheduled? Baptisms are not celebrated during Lent, Easter, 1st Holy Communion Day, Confirmation Day, Christmas, or Divine Mercy Sunday. The Baptism of older children (7 years of age or older), teens, or adults follows the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA).