Baptism

INFANT BAPTISM

The Sacrament of Baptism is the first sacrament of initiation into the faith community and family of God.  It is the gateway to the Christian life and life eternal.

“For through faith you are all children of God in Christ Jesus.  For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.  There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free person, there is not male and female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”   (Galatians 3:26-28)

“Baptism is birth into the new life in Christ.” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, no. 1277)

“Baptism, the door to life and the Kingdom, is the first Sacrament of the New Law, which Christ offered to all that they might have eternal life and which, together with the Gospel, he later entrusted to his Church, when he commanded his Apostles: ‘Go, teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.’ Therefore, Baptism is first and foremost the Sacrament of that faith by which human beings, enlightened by the grace of the Holy Spirit, responds to the Gospel of Christ.” (The Order of the Baptism of Children, no. 3)

 

Parish Registration

Parents who wish to baptize their child must be registered in the parish.  Click here for Registration Form

Celebration of Baptism

Baptisms are celebrated after the 11 AM Lord’s Day Mass with exceptions for major feast days and other important parish events. Register for specific days by completing the form below.

Godparents

“Godparents” must be baptized, confirmed practicing Catholics in good standing with the Church. They must be at least 16 years old and not the parent of the child to be baptized. Parents may choose one or two godparents. If two godparents are chosen one godparent must be male and the other female. Godparents should be prepared, by their teaching and example, to assist the parents in their lifelong duty of handing on the Faith.

Scheduling a Date for Baptism

Parents who wish to have their children baptized at Holy Spirit should contact the secretary in the Parish Life Center 8 weeks prior to the date they would like to baptize their child: 317-585-1257.

Preparation for Baptism

Both parents are asked to attend Baptism Preparation for their first child or if they have not previously completed a preparation class for the sacrament. Sessions take place in the Parish Life Center the third Thursday of the month from 7:00-9:00 pm with occasional changes for holy days, holidays and other major parish events. Please register for the class two weeks in advance to allow time to preview some videos. Infants are welcome to attend with their parents.

For questions or more information, please contact Sarah Drake at  [email protected] or 317-585-1257.