Holy Baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life, the gateway to life in the Spirit, and the door which gives access to the other sacraments.” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, #1213) Through Baptism, we are freed from sin and reborn as children of God. We thus become members of the Body of Christ, and are incorporated into the Church, sharing in her mission.
The Catholic Church baptizes infants, children, and adults. At St. Max, infants are baptized throughout the year during the Sunday Masses and at 1:30p on Sunday afternoon outside of Mass. Adults are normally baptized at the Easter Vigil as the culmination of the RCIA.
Parents wishing to prepare their infant for baptism should read the next section titled "Infant Baptism".
Adults who would like to be baptized do so by entering the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults. Through this multi-dimensional process, the Church accompanies these inquirers on their journey of faith and discipleship. The process includes catechesis, prayer, discernment, rituals, and other opportunities for formation. The RCIA typically culminates in the celebration of the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist at the Easter Vigil, and includes a period of reflection for the remainder of the Easter Season. Children who have reached catechetical age undertake a similar process called the Rite of Christian Initiation for Children. Click here for more information about the RCIA Program - Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults.
Congratulations! We rejoice with you for the gift of your child. During this special time we invite you to look at another special event - the Baptism of your child. The sacrament of Baptism is celebrated during the Saturday evening and Sunday morning liturgies on a rotating basis, and on the 1st and 3rd Sundays of the month at the 1:30 Baptism Service. Because Baptism is a community event, we schedule Baptism as a part of a communal celebration. Private Baptisms are not celebrated.
Parents are required to attend a Baptism Preparation Program offered once a month for their first child, but any parent who desires may attend. The preparation programs give parents the opportunity to consider the meaning of their own faith, how to share and pass on our faith to our children, the Church’s understanding of Baptism, and the elements of the Rite of Baptism. Sacrament of Baptism preparation classes for infant Baptisms are held on the 3rd Wednesday of every month at 7:30 PM in the Conference Room unless otherwise noted in the bulletin
As you think about the baptism of your child, considerations arise.
What does faith mean to me/my spouse?
How do I/we live my/our faith?
Is the Church an authentic expression of my/our own life?
What is the faith I/we want our child to have?
Responsible Baptism requires a careful consideration of such questions. We hope that the Baptism Preparation meeting will give you some assistance. If this is your first child you must attend a Preparation class. If the Church has been a regular part of your life, you need not participate in a second Baptismal Preparation meeting for another child. However, we are not permitted to baptize a child if there is no current participation in the Church by parents. If you have questions please contact Carol Heuser @777-4322, ext. 104. In having a child baptized, parents are making a commitment of faith. Parents are committing themselves to regular and active participation in the life of the Church so that the transmission of faith to their child will become a reality.
Parents who present their child for baptism should give prayerful thought about the choice of Godparents for their child. Godparents should be committed Christians who are living their belief in Jesus. Because they assist parents in bringing the child into the life of the Church, Godparents themselves need to be regular and active participants in the Church. One of the Godparents must be a Roman Catholic who has received the Sacrament of Confirmation and who at present regularly worships and participates in the church. One of the Godparents may be a member of another Christian faith who at present worships and participates in their faith tradition. If there are two Godparents, one must be male and one female. They should be at least 16 years of age. In accepting the responsibility of being a Godparent, the person is saying he/she wishes to become involved in the faith life of that child. The Godparent should be someone who will continually develop a relationship with the child to counsel, give assistance, and share faith as he/she grows to maturity. We ask you to share these expectations with the Godparents you choose.
Third Wednesday of the Month
7:30 PM
Conference Room
2012
July No Preparation Class
*Aug 8th 2nd Wednesday of the month due to Holy Day of Obligation Aug. 15th.
Sept. 19
Oct. 17
Nov. 21
Dec. 19
2013
Jan. 16
Feb. 20
March No Preparation Class due to Lent
April 17
May 15