THE SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM FOR INFANTS
The parish family of St. Ann's is happy you
have chosen to have your child baptized. In
the waters of baptism, we become members of
the Body of Christ--God's People. Baptism is
the first of the three Sacraments of -Initiation.
The other two are Confirmation and Eucharist.
Baptisms take place in the Church on scheduled
Sundays immediately following the 10:30 a.m.
mass. If you have additional questions, call
the parish office at 708-895-6700.
Who is considered for infant baptism?
The Church considers anyone who has not yet
completed their seventh year to be an infant.
Therefore, the parents of children under the
age of seven may request baptism and attend
the parish's infant baptism preparation session.
For those children who are over seven years
of age the Church requires that they make a
RCIY program. Therefore, it is necessary that
they themselves be prepared for the Sacraments
of Initiation. St. Ann Parish has ministries
which focus on our children of our parish such
us Religious Education Program and RCIY classes.
What is the role of the Sponsors/Godparents?
The role of the sponsor or Godparent is, "together
with the parents, to present an infant at baptism,
and help the baptized to lead a Christian life
in harmony with baptism, and to fulfill faithfully
the obligations connected with it." (Canon
872) In the beginning of the Rite of Baptism
of Children, the Godparents are asked if they
are willing to help the parents of the one baptized
in their duties as Christian parents. Thus,
the function of the Godparents is not merely
ceremonial or social but to assist the parents
in raising their child in the practice of the
faith.
Who may serve as a Sponsor or Godparent?
The Church has established the following norms
governing the qualifications needed to be a
sponsor or Godparent. The sponsor must: be at
least sixteen (16) years old; "be a Catholic
who has been Confirmed and has already received
the Sacrament of the Most Holy Eucharist and
leads a life in harmony with the faith and role
to be undertaken;" "not be bound by
any canonical penalty...;" "not be
the father or mother of the one to be baptized."
(Canon 874,1)
The Baptism of adults (From: Catechism
of The Catholic Church)
RCIA PROGRAM HELP ADULTS TO PREPARE TO RECEIVE
THE SACRAMENTS OF INITIATION.
If you have additional questions, call the parish
office at 708-895-6700 or Rel Education Office:
708-895-5970.
1247 Since the beginning of the Church, adult
Baptism is the common practice where the proclamation
of the Gospel is still new. The catechumenate
(preparation for Baptism) therefore occupies
an important place. This initiation into Christian
faith and life should dispose the catechumen
to receive the gift of God in Baptism, Confirmation,
and the Eucharist.
1248 The catechumenate, or formation of catechumens,
aims at bringing their conversion and faith
to maturity, in response to the divine initiative
and in union with an ecclesial community. The
catechumenate is to be "a formation in
the whole Christian life . . . during which
the disciples will be joined to Christ their
teacher. The catechumens should be properly
initiated into the mystery of salvation and
the practice of the evangelical virtues, and
they should be introduced into the life of faith,
liturgy, and charity of the People of God by
successive sacred rites.
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