It’s a question that is asked often enough, particularly as a number of new and younger families are moving to the area and seeking to become active members of our parish family. Currently at St. Lucy, baptism preparation sessions are held as the need arises. Usually we hope to have two or more families involved in preparation together. These learning and faith-sharing sessions are designed for the parents and serve as an opportunity for couples as adults of faith to reflect again on the importance of faith and church in their lives as individuals and as a couple, and to consider especially their role as parents, which the Church notes, “Is to be the first teachers of their children in the ways of faith.” These formation sessions may be taken during the pregnancy.
Parents desiring to have a child baptized should be persons of faith. At least one parent is expected to be a baptized Catholic who is currently practicing his or her faith. Practicing one’s faith means regularly attending Mass and receiving the sacraments of Holy Communion and Reconciliation. Being a practicing Catholic also means being a member of a parish community. This commitment is witnessed through formally registering in the parish, being an active member involved in the parish’s life and ministry through the sharing of time and talent, and supporting the continuing work of the church community in some financial way.
Normally, children who are baptized at St. Lucy are from families whose parents are registered and active members of the parish. It is also possible for a child to be baptized here if his or her extended family has some strong connection with the St. Lucy Parish Family. If the parents are not registered at St. Lucy, they must be registered in another parish, and a letter of permission is necessary from the pastor of that parish to allow the baptism of the child to take place here. They would also be expected to complete a baptism preparation in the parish where they are members.
Regarding godparents — at least one of the godparents must be a baptized Catholic who has also received the Eucharist and Confirmation, and is currently practicing his or her faith actively. The other godparent must be a baptized Christian. Godparents who are members of parishes other than St. Lucy will be asked to complete forms with letters of recommendation from their local pastor in order to serve in the role of sponsor or godparent. Godparents, if there are two, are expected to be one male and one female.
All these points are considered necessary to celebrate a meaningful ceremony of Baptism and all of them are expected in order for baptism to be celebrated here at St. Lucy.