what happens at baptism?
Being baptized into the Catholic faith is being baptised into the Christian community. The waters of baptism are not magic. All of the Sacraments of the Catholic Church celebrate what God is already doing in our lives and it is the same with baptism. The Sacrament of Baptism celebrates that the parents of the infant or young child wish to bring their child into the Christian faith commuity, a bond that can never be broken. Baptism also celebrates the initiation of the child into a specific local community. This is why we baptize children whose parent(s) are already members of the St. Joe’s community.
why do parents participate in preparation sessions?
Baptism preparation assists parents in reflecting on their faith and their new role in leading their child into the life of a discipleship. The main teacher for your child is you, the parent. It is through your life and faith that your children will grow in relationship with God and the church.
WHY DO THE PARENTS OF THE CHILD NEED TO MEMBERS OF THE ST. JOE’S COMMUNITY?
As Catholics, one of the foundational ways we express our membership in the Christian community is to particiapte in the local community. The St. Joe’s community stops everything and gathers around families who are celebrating baptism. Anyone is welcome to join the community but that may come after a time of visiting our parish and deciding if you want to make St. Joe’s the spiritual home of your family.
To have your child baptized, it is understood and expected that at least one parent is a Catholic and a member of the St. Joseph’s Parish community.
WHAT DOES MEMBERSHIP ENTAIL?
The first assumption is that you have visited St. Joe’s over time and have decided to make this parish your spiritual home. After that initial step, membership includes:
A. registering with the parish (Registration forms available at the Welcome Table at Mass)
B. participating regularly at Sunday Mass (at least twice a month)
C. volunteering in the community (a member of the staff will assist with this)
D. supporting the work of the parish financially
WHAT ABOUT GODPARENTS?
We talk more of this in the sessions. The child can have 1 or 2 Godparents.
At least one of the Godparents must be:
1. A fully initiated Catholic having received baptism, 1st Eucharist and Confirmation
2. at least 16
3. not the child’s parent
4. It is also encouraged that the Godparent(s) be actively participating in their faith.
WHEN ARE THE PREPARATION Session Dates FOR 2011-2012?
- Winter 2011: Saturdays – January 21st, 28th, and February 4th, 2-3:30pm
- Spring 2012: Saturdays – April 14th, 21st, 28th, 2-3:30pm
- Fall 2012: Saturdays – September 22, 29th, and October 6th, 2-3:30pm
Session Times: Saturdays 2 pm – 3:30 pm.
Session Location: Parish Office, enter at 151 Laurier Ave East. (parking available in our lot)
what are the Infant Baptism Dates for 2011-2012?
All baptisms take place during Sunday Mass, usually the 9:30am Mass.
Sunday, November 13th, 2011
Sunday, January 8th, 2012
Sunday, February 12th, 2012
Sunday, April 8th, 2012 (Easter Sunday)
Sunday, April 15th, 2012
Sunday, May 6th, 2012
Sunday, June 10th 2012
Sunday, July 1st, 2012
Sunday, July 22nd 2012
Sunday, August 19th 2012
Sunday, Thanksgiving 2012 (Oct 14th)
Sunday, November 18th 2012
Contact:
Michelle Miller, Coordinator of Faith Formation
Tel.: 613-233-4095, ext. 235
e-mail: mmiller@st-josephs.ca