Baptism
What is Baptism?
Baptism is the first of the seven sacraments of the Church. Coming from a Greek word which means immerse, Baptism is the sacrament where an individual is baptized with water with the invocation “I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit”. This action washes away Original Sin and welcomes the newly baptized into the life of God and His Church.
Who can be (and should be) baptized?
Traditionally, infants are baptized shortly after birth; however, any person who desires conversion can be baptized. Dating to the 2nd Century households were baptized.
What are the requirements of baptism?
Since a major part of growing in the knowledge and practice of the faith is experienced in the community and church that you attend, it recommended that children be baptized in the parish and church that the parents participate in.
If you are a member of Ascension Parish or St. Katharine Drexel Parish we would love to celebrate your child’s baptism here.
If this is your first child you are required to attend the Baptismal Instruction in order to help you understand and prepare for your child’s Baptism. The Priest or Deacon will set up an appointment with you at the parish office at 612 Hudson Street, Forest City for the Baptismal Instruction.
Who should you choose as a godparent?
The title “Godparent” is not an honorary title but a job description and a responsibility. Godparents are, along with you, a child’s guide on the Catholic Christian life’s journey. They will help shape your child’s faith by sharing their own. You will therefore want to choose people whose own baptismal commitment is firm and whose love for God and neighbor is generous.
At least one godparent is needed for a child’s baptism. If two godparents are selected they must be one male and one female.
Both Godparents need to be Christian. At least one of those needs to be a practicing Catholic, the other may be a practicing Christian. Being a practicing Catholic, means being registered with a Parish and attending Mass Regularly.
The following are the requirements for individuals who undertake the role of Godparent for Baptism at Ascension and St. Katharine Drexel Parishes:
– At least 16 years of age
– Already received the Sacrament of Baptism, First Communion and Confirmation in the Catholic Church.
– Attend Mass regularly on Sundays and Holy Day of Obligation and receives the Sacrament of the Catholic Church on a regular basis.
– If married, marriage celebrated according to the laws of the Catholic Church.
– Sponsor is not the mother or father of the one to be baptized.
– A member of a non-Catholic community may serve as Christian Witness for Baptism only together with a Catholic Sponsor who fulfills all the above requirements.
Persons seeking a Sponsor Eligibility Certificate to serve as a Godparent in another community must fulfill the requirements before a card will be issued.
What are the parish requirements for Baptism?
Parents wishing to have their child baptized into the Catholic faith should contact the Parish Office to make the necessary arrangements. Families are to be registered active members of the Catholic Church. If this is your first child you are required to attend the Baptismal instruction in order to help you understand and prepare for your child’s Baptism. The Priest or Deacon will set up an appointment with you at the parish office at 612 Hudson Street, Forest City for the Baptismal Instruction. Please call or email the Parish Office to schedule your child’s Baptism or if you have any questions at 570-785-3838 or apskdp@nep.net.
What forms do I need to fill out?
Call the Parish Office at 570-785-3838 or email apskdp@nep.net to schedule a Baptism or if you are a parishioner of Ascension or Saint Katharine Drexel Parish to request a Sponsor Eligibility Certificate.
If you are a non-parishioner and are a Godparent for a Baptism at our parish please contact your Parish for a Sponsor Eligibility Certificate.