Before celebrating a Baptism at Assumption Parish, families must be registered and participating members of our parish community.
We also ask that parents (and preferably Godparents as well) participate in the Baptismal preparation class. First step is to call the parish office and schedule a short meeting directly with Father Oliver or call him at 206-522-7674 (ext 305) to discuss your childs baptism. The parish office is closed on weekends & holidays. Baptism Preparation classes are offered on an as needed basis. Contact information for the class will be given to you.
Preparation
Once you have completed a Baptismal preparation class you may schedule a Baptism date. Turn in your paperwork (you may mail it to the parish office, slip it through the mail slot in the front door of the parish office, or put it in an envelope in the offertory basket). If you need to make any changes call Carol Durbin in the parish office. (522-7674 ext 301). You may choose any of the three masses 5:00 pm Sat, or 8:30 or10:30 Sunday except where noted.
Schedule of Baptisms
Baptisms are normally held the last weekend of the month. Please see schedule below.
During Advent & Lent there are no Baptisms. Lent Baptisms are held on Easter Sunday at 10:30 Mass.
2011/2012
December 31 2011/January 1, 2012
February 18/19
March - no babtisms in Lent
April 8th Easter Sunday (10:30 Mass only)
May 26/27
June 23/24
July 28/29
August 25/26
September 29/30
October 27/28
November 24/25
December 29/30
All necessary paperwork (Baptism registration) will be given to you at the Baptismal preparation class. Assumption Parish celebrates Baptisms during regular weekend Masses as scheduled so that the entire faith community may participate and welcome its newest members. Baptisms are by infusion (pouring) rather than immersion.
On the day of the Baptism
- Dress the child in white or in a white Baptismal garment.
- Bring a white pillar candle. (please, pre-light the candle) NOT A TAPER!
- Arrive 15- 20 minutes before the start of Mass.
- Check in with Father Oliver.
Pews at the front of church on the left as you face the Altar, will be reserved for the family and friends of the child to be Baptized. If more than one child is being Baptized additional pews will be reserved.
Child, Parents and Godparents will process in and out of church with Father Oliver, the Eucharistic Ministers and the Altar Servers. Other family members and friends should be seated in the congregation or the reserved pews. Please leave room in the reserved pews for the children to be baptized, their parents and godparents.
During Mass
It is acceptable to take pictures or videotape without flash during the celebration as long as this is done unobtrusively. At the start of Mass, parents, Godparents and child should be at the back of church with the Father Oliver. (Other family and friends should already be seated in the reserved seats.) There will be an introductory welcoming dialogue (“what do you ask for your child? “Baptism.”) and a signing of the child(ren) with the cross. Then the family will proceed forward with Father Oliver, Lectors, Eucharist Ministers and Altar Servers. Following the gospel and homily, the parents and Godparents are asked to come up onto the altar. They will renew their Baptismal promises with the congregation. At the end of Mass, the parents, Godparents and the child exit the church in the procession with Father Oliver.
Be sure to pick up your Baptismal Certificate from Father Oliver.
Keep the certificate in a safe place. It is a legal document similar to a birth certificate.