Baptism at Assumption Parish

The sacrament of baptism ushers us into the divine life, cleanses us from sin, and initiates us as members of the Christian community. It is the foundation for the sacramental life.

  Assumption Parish Baptism Preparation The Role of Godparents

To be chosen as a Godparent is a special honor. You, above all others have been entrusted with the responsibility to participate in this child's Catholic life and education. Godparents should be active practicing Catholics. The privilege offers them the opportunity to develop a mutually enriching spiritual  relationship - one that will last throughout this life and beyond.

There are many ways you can nurture this spiritual relationship and become a special friend to your godchild.

 Among them are:

· Celebrate the anniversary of this holy day of Baptism each year with a visit, a call or a card.

· As your Godchild grows, listen to and share in the struggles and triumphs of living a Christian life, and keep yourself informed on Catholic doctrine and values, to be able to answer questions as they arise.

· Encourage a consistent life of faith through special cards, letters, or gifts to celebrate holy events...Christmas, Easter...and personal growth events, graduation, first job, engagement.

· Participate in, or send assurance of prayer, as your Godchild receives the other sacraments, particularly First Communion and Confirmation, which complete initiation into the Catholic Church faith community.

· Be supportive of your Godchild's parents in their role as the primary religious education of their child.

· Most importantly, be a model of Christian living for your Godchild, through prayer, virtue and active participation in parish life and liturgy.

By living a Christian life in partnership with your Godchild, both of you will experience

the great joy of sharing a life of faith.

NOTE: Godparents must be 16 years of age and have received the Sacraments of Confirmation. The godparent may not be one of the parents of the person being baptized. Only one godparent is required and a maximum of two, (one male and one female) will be recorded in the baptismal record. One godparent may be a baptized non-Catholic Christian as a witness of the Baptism.

• Water – The waters of baptism recall Jesus’ own baptism by John the Baptist in the river Jordan. Water is a symbol of cleansing and renewal as we begin a new life in Christ. We are washed clean of sin.
• Oil – At baptism we are anointed into the life of Christ as “priest, prophet and king.” A cross is traced on the candidate’s forehead as a reminder that we are inheritors of the Kingdom of God.
• Light – The baptismal candle is lit from the Paschal or Easter candle that stands in the church as a sign of Christ’s light in the world. At baptism, we receive the light of Christ and are called forth to share this light with the world.
• White garment – The white garment that is placed upon us at baptism is a symbol of Christ’s victory over death and his glorious resurrection. Likewise, the white garment or pall that is placed over the coffin at the time of death recalls our baptismal promises and reminds us that we are destined for eternal life.