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10
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
ABOUT BAPTISM
1. How old should my child be to
be baptized?
Any
child at any age is always welcomed for baptism given a commitment to
raising the child according to the Catholic faith. Although the
Church recommends that a child be baptized within a few weeks after birth,
factors such as the health and well-being of the mother and/or of the
child, the time it takes for preparing and planning the baptismal
celebration, allowing the parents and other family members time to adjust
to the new arrival, and scheduling the participation of extended family
and friends who may have to travel some distance, are also factors that
need to be taken into account.
Children who are old
enough to personally profess their faith may be asked to receive
specialized instruction that is focused on the Sacrament of Baptism or,
depending on their age and level of maturity, may gain benefit by
enrolling in the RCIA Program.
If there is any question
about baptism for your child, especially if you are in a special situation
of some sort, please contact the Pastoral Staff so that we may do all we
can to help you.
2. Can we have our child baptized
if we are not married, or were married outside the Church, or if I am a
single-parent?
Your
child is always welcome to baptism, given a commitment to raising him/her
according to the Catholic faith, and we welcome your entire family to our
parish community. The Church recognizes that, for whatever the reason,
people will make choices in life that lead them in many different
directions. The fact that you are here, reading this web site,
demonstrates that God is at work in your life. We would be most pleased to
have the opportunity to discuss with you how we may be of assistance in
facilitating your child's baptism and if there are other ways in which we
may help bring God's love to you and your child.
3. Must I be a member of Our Lady
of the Chesapeake Parish in order to have my child baptized here?
No.
Membership in the parish at which a child will be baptized is not
required. We are frequently honored to baptize children of people
who were once members of the parish, still have family in this area, or
simply desire to return here so that a specific priest/deacon may perform
the baptism. On the other hand, if you are a resident of the
Pasadena area and intend to be a
part of our parish life, we would strongly encourage you to formally
register as parishioners of Our Lady of the Chesapeake. Celebration of the
Eucharist, as well as involvement in the spiritual, educational, and
social activities of our parish community are designed to help each of us
in our journey of faith through life, and we would welcome your presence
here with us.
4. Whom should I choose to be
godparents for my child?
Whether
you select very close friends or family members as godparents for your
child is a very personal decision and not one of concern to the
Church. The Church does, however, expect that a person chosen to be
a godparent will support you spiritually (by prayer) and morally (by their
example of word and deed) in your duty as Christian mothers and fathers as
you raise your child in the Catholic Church. As such, the Church
places the following eligibility requirements on persons desiring to be
godparents:
- they must be at least 16 years of
age;
- they must be Catholics who are
baptized, confirmed, and have received First Holy Communion;
- they must be someone other than the
parents of the child to be baptized;
- they must be leading a life in
harmony with the Catholic faith and the role they are about to
assume.
5. How many godparents may I have
or must I have?
Strictly
speaking, you are required to have only one, who must be Catholic (see
question #4). As is the current custom, most people have two, who
must be of different sexes (i.e. one godfather and one
godmother). The Church offers no provision for more than two.
6. Does that mean that I can't
have a non-Catholic serve as a godparent?
Technically,
a non-Catholic may not serve as "godparent." However, a
baptized non-Catholic Christian may serve as a "Christian Witness" to the baptism as
long as the other godparent is Catholic.
7. Must I attend a Baptism
Preparation Program?
We,
as Church, believe it is our duty to offer you, as parents, the
opportunity to fully understand the commitment you are undertaking for
your child and yourselves through the Sacrament of Baptism.
Attendance at the baptism preparation session is also an excellent time
for you to ask any questions you may have and to discuss any special
circumstances surrounding your child's baptism. It is our sincerest
hope that you will find the baptism preparation session meaningful and put
you into a more relaxed and prayerful state of mind as the baptism day
approaches.
8. When should I attend the
Baptism Preparation Program?
For
practical reasons, we encourage you to attend a baptism preparation
session before your baby is born. Once your baby is at home, we are
guessing that you will probably have a lot on your mind and be pretty busy
caring for the newborn child. Should you decide that it is better to
wait until after the baby is born, or if you are parents of an older
child, you may, of course, attend any session at your convenience.
9. When is the Baptism
Preparation Program offered?
The
baptism preparation session is usually offered on the first Friday of
every month at 7:00 pm here in the Pastoral Center. Please contact
the Pastoral Office Center to confirm the date and time and to register for the
session of your choice.
10. Is there anything that I need
to bring for the Baptism?
Other than the child who will be baptized, no. Our Lady of the
Chesapeake Parish will provide the "white garment" and the
"baptismal candle" for the ceremony. Some parents,
however, may wish to use a baptismal candle or white garment that has some
sentimental value--perhaps it was used by one of the parents, or is a
family heirloom that has been used for the baptisms of several children,
possibly spanning generations within a family. If you would like to
use your own baptismal garment and/or baptismal candle, please let the
celebrant (priest/deacon) know beforehand so that he can prepare
accordingly.
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