POLICY FOR BAPTISM OF CHILDREN  

 Precious Blood Parish 

Baptism is one of the three Sacraments of Initiation.  Through the sacrament of Baptism, a child is initiated into the Body of Christ, the Church; shares in the new life of Jesus Christ; and, with the assistance of the Holy Spirit, embarks on a life-long journey in which he or she will grow and mature in the Catholic faith. 

During the early years of this journey, the child needs the help and guidance of his/her parents, we encourage those seeking baptism for their children to become part of the parish community by being registered and spiritually active members of the parish. 

The Rite of Baptism is a community celebration which reminds us of the presence of Christ in the church community and the responsibility of that church to nurture the faith of the newly baptized.  The sponsors (godparents) act as official representatives of the larger church and should play a vital role in supporting the Christian life of their godchild.  For this reason, parents should give prayerful consideration to their choice of godparents. 

Before celebrating Baptism, the church invites parents and sponsors to reflect on the full meaning and significance of presenting a child for initiation into the Body of Christ.   

Precious Blood Parish offers its support to parents and sponsors by providing a series of required baptismal classes.  These classes will give the parents and sponsors a chance to re-examine the meaning of their own Christian faith, to deepen their understanding of the sacrament and the celebration of the rite of Baptism, and to share prayer and formation with other members of the parish. 

Parents who are expecting the birth or adoption of a child are required to attend the preparation classes, which will be offered in two sessions, four times a year.  Both parents should attend the classes during the last trimester of pregnancy or within six months of the final adoption decree.  If sponsors live in the vicinity, they are also encouraged to participate in the preparation classes.  Parents seeking baptism for older children must also attend the baptismal preparation classes.  In addition, children over six years of age will be prepared for their baptism through a series of special classes administered by the CCD office. 

With the help of the pastor and the baptismal preparation team, families of those to be baptized should take an active role in planning the baptismal rite.  The families may provide their own baptismal candle and/or baptismal garment (a simple pattern will be available from the preparation class), or the parish will provide them.