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Created by St. Pius class of 1995

The Sacrament of Baptism for Infants

You have asked to have your child baptized.
In doing so, you are accepting the responsibility
of training them in the practice of faith. It will be
your duty to bring them up to keep God’s commandments
as Christ taught us, by loving God and our neighbor.
(from the Rite of Baptism)

Baptism is the sacrament of welcome into the Christian community. It is this community which supports and guides parents as they assume the responsibility of bringing up their children in the faith that they themselves profess. The Church acknowledges that parents are the primary teachers of their children in the ways of faith. St. Pius V parish and the wider community of the Church, offer a warm welcome to those who wish to have their children baptized. By giving witness to the Gospel, we as a parish, hope to be a living example of love. By our celebration of the Eucharist each Sunday, by our educational efforts through our parish school and our religious education program, we hope to provide an excellent formation in faith for your children.

What is the process at St. Pius V for Baptism?
1. Meet with a member of the Pastoral Staff.
If you wish your child to be baptized, call the rectory and ask for an appointment with a member of the Pastoral Staff.

2. Attend the Baptismal Preparation Program
This is held every other month on Sunday morning from 8:45 AM until 11:00 AM and includes participation in the 9:00 AM parish liturgy. The Baptismal Preparation team is made up of parents who are active in our parish. They share with you their experience of parenting and the important role of the St. Pius V community in assisting them in this. A staff member is present to speak about the theology of the sacrament of Baptism.

3. The Sacrament of Baptism
The celebration of the sacrament of Baptism is held on the fourth Sunday of each month at 1:00 PM. Occasionally, baptisms are celebrated at the Sunday Eucharist. Please note that our parish does not celebrate baptism during the season of Lent.

How do I choose godparents for my child?
The question asked at the baptism ceremony itself gives us a clear understanding of the role of the godparent “Are you ready to help these parents in their duty as Christian parents?” The role of godparents is to be a help to parents so that children will come to profess the faith and live up to it. Godparents represent the spiritual family of the parish and the wider church. Therefore, when selecting godparents, the church recommends they be fully initiated adults, who have received Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist. If they are to be strong witnesses to the parents of this child, they must show by their lives that they are committed Catholic Christians. Only one godparent is necessary, but most couples choose two godparents, one male and one female, directly imitating the image of father and mother.

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