Baptism is the first Sacrament of the Church and serves as the gateway to all other sacraments. It is a profound encounter with Christ that welcomes us into God’s family, making us His children and members of the Church. Through Baptism, a person begins a lifelong journey of growing in their relationship with the Lord. It’s important to understand that Baptism is not a magical moment or a good-luck charm; it is a sacred act that initiates a life of faith and commitment to Christ.
2. Who Can Be Baptized at St. Kevin’s Church and Our Lady of Peace Worship Site?
We welcome all families who wish to have their children baptized at St. Kevin’s Church and Our Lady of Peace Worship Site, regardless of where they live. While we encourage families to consider their local parish, we are happy to accommodate those who feel a special connection to our community or have other personal reasons for wanting to celebrate the Sacrament of Baptism here. If you are interested in having your child baptized with us, please contact our parish office to discuss the details and schedule a date that works for your family. We are here to support you on this joyful occasion.
3. The Faith of the Parents
The faith and commitment of the parents are crucial when choosing Baptism for their child, as they are the primary role models in their child’s faith journey.
If you, as parents, do not regularly attend church, consider what example you are setting for your child. It’s important to practice what you teach about faith.
If one parent is not Catholic, their support and willingness to cooperate in the Catholic formation of the child are necessary.
If parents are living together without being married (common-law), consider the example being set for your child. Reflect on whether it might be time to get married in the Church.
If parents were married outside of the Catholic Church, this could be an opportunity to have the marriage blessed and celebrated as a sacrament.
Single parents are welcome to have their child baptized; being a single parent does not prevent your child from receiving the sacrament.
4. How to Arrange for Your Child’s Baptism
To begin the process, please complete and return the Baptism Registration Form to the parish office. Once we receive your form, you will be contacted with details regarding preparation, rehearsal, and the celebration of the sacrament.
5. Baptism Preparation
After submitting the Baptismal Registration Form, parents will be contacted by a member of our Baptism Preparation Team. Before your child’s baptism, a scheduled preparation meeting will be held at St. Kevin’s Church. We look forward to welcoming you and preparing for this special celebration!
6. Who Can Be Godparents (Sponsors)?
Godparents, also known as Sponsors, play a vital role in presenting the child for Baptism and supporting their spiritual growth in the Catholic faith. One godparent is sufficient, but it is traditional to have two—one male and one female.
Godparents must be at least 16 years old, baptized and confirmed Catholics, and live a lifestyle consistent with the Catholic faith.
Godparents cannot be the parents of the child being baptized.
A baptized non-Catholic Christian may serve as a godparent only alongside a Catholic godparent of the opposite sex and is referred to as a “Christian Witness.”
Non-baptized individuals are not eligible to be godparents, as they cannot fully fulfill the responsibility of guiding the child in the Catholic faith.
7. When Will My Child Be Baptized and By Whom?
At St. Kevin’s Church and Our Lady of Peace Worship Site, baptisms are scheduled flexibly to accommodate both the family’s needs and the availability of our parish clergy. Baptisms can take place on any day of the week, depending on your schedule and the priest’s availability. Please contact the parish office to discuss and arrange a suitable date. The Sacrament of Baptism is typically administered by the parish priest or permanent deacon..
8. Is There a Cost for Baptism?
There is no set fee for Baptism. However, freewill offerings are appreciated to help cover the cost of materials and other parish expenses associated with the sacrament.