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:

1. they must be at least 16 years of age;
2. they must be Fully Iniatated Catholics who are baptized, Confirmed, and have received First Holy Communion;
3. they must be someone other than the parents of the child to be baptized;
4. they must be leading a life in harmony with the Catholic faith and the role they are about to assume.
5. Documentation will be needed to confirm Sponsor qualifications for at least one of your chosen Sponsors.

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 genders (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 once a month on a Sunday at noon. Please call the parish office 410-255-3677 x102 to register.

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.