Sacrament of Baptism
It gives us great joy that you are requesting to have your child baptized.
BY ASKING THAT YOUR CHILD BE BAPTIZED, YOU ARE RE-
AFFIRMING YOUR CHOICE TO LIVE YOUR OWN FAITH AND TO SHARE
THIS FAITH WITH YOUR CHILD.
This means you are promising your child that he/she will learn how
Catholics live by your example.
This sacrament celebrates God's gift of life to your child; it celebrates a
relationship that, as Saint Paul says, allows us to call God, "Abba,
Father." We become members of God's own family. Thus, when parents
seek Baptism for their child, they are saying that their faith is something
which they treasure. The faith is as important for their child as is food,
shelter and clothing.
Parents requesting Baptism for their child should be close to their faith,
to its beliefs, its requirements, its sacramental life--and to the local parish
community which is the visible expression of that faith. OUR FAITH
DOES NOT EXIST IN ISOLATION. IT EXISTS IN COMMUNION, IN
COMMUNITY TOGETHER AS THE BODY OF CHRIST. Your participation
in the parish helps create this "Faith Family" which is the soil in which
your own faith and the faith of your child is nurtured.
This "Parish Family" has a responsibility towards you and your child. As
your brothers and sisters in the Lord, we offer instruction (i.e.
catechesis) which will assist you in preparing yourself and your child to
celebrate the various sacraments (visible signs of God's care and love).
In every way possible, WE WANT TO SUPPORT YOU IN YOUR
MINISTRY OF BEING "THE FIRST TEACHERS OF FAITH TO YOUR
CHILD."
This "Parish Family" has a responsibility towards you and your child. As
your brothers and sisters in the Lord, we offer instruction (i.e.
catechesis) which will assist you in preparing yourself and your child to
celebrate the various sacraments (visible signs of God's care and love).
In every way possible, WE WANT TO SUPPORT YOU IN YOUR
MINISTRY OF BEING "THE FIRST TEACHERS OF FAITH TO YOUR
CHILD."
BAPTISMAL GUIDELINES
Ordinarily the children of Holy Trinity parishioners are to be baptized at
our parish. But, all are welcome with a write permission of their pastor.
In preparation for the celebration of Baptism at Holy Trinity Church, the
following steps are to be observed:
Initial request is to be made at the Parish Office. At that time, parents will
be asked to complete the Baptism Information Questionnaire. Please
provide a copy of your child’s birth certificate.
One evening of prayer and instruction is required for both parents and
godparents. If possible, please do not bring “walking” children to this
session.
After the evening of prayer and instruction, at least one parent or
guardian comes to the parish office during ordinary office hours to
register the child for a Baptism date.
At this time, the customary offering – usually $60.00 – is given.
You can chose the date for your baptism. We do all Saturdays at 10 am
in Spanish and Sunday during the 9:15 am Mass in English.
On Lent we do only some Saturdays.
As part of the commitment with the Parish, parents would give 3 hours of
service (ask parish secretary). It is not mandatory but we encourage you
to do it.
GODPARENTS MUST BE ACTIVE, PRACTICING CATHOLICS
in good standing in the Catholic Church and should be Confirmed. They
may be single or married. However, if married, they must have been
married in the Catholic Church. It is the obligation of the parents to
assure the worthiness of the godparents they choose.
The Baptismal Preparation Instructions in English are conducted on the
3rd Thursday evening of each month from 7:15-9:00 p.m.
Exceptions: Only with the Pastor .
Parents and Godparents are encourage to participate in the sacraments
of Reconciliation and Mass.
Because baptism is a rite of welcome in the Church, there are no
“private” baptisms.
