Congratulations on the birth or adoption of your child! Your joy in welcoming your child into your family is echoed by our parish community as we look forward to welcoming your child into our extended family of faith.
You probably have many questions about how to proceed with planning for your child’s baptism. Here are some Frequently Asked Questions about the celebration of infant baptism at St. Timothy.
At St. Timothy, we normally celebrate Baptism once a month, often within our usual Sunday liturgies. In doing so, we emphasize our belief that Baptism is the first step in a faith journey that will last for years, a journey that is supported by the members of our faith community.
The schedule for these baptisms is drawn up each June for the upcoming year. For the 2019-2020 schedule of Baptisms, click here.Please keep in mind that we normally do not celebrate Baptisms during the season of Lent (from Ash Wednesday until Easter).
In the case of an emergency, such as when the health of the child is in question, separate arrangements can be made. In that case, please contact one of our priests for further assistance.
How do I choose godparents?
Choosing godparents is a serious task and it is a great honor to be asked to be a godparent. In former times, people thought of godparents as someone who would take custody of your child and raise him or her in the event that you could not. This criteria is no longer helpful, as civil law governs decisions such as these. On a moral level, however, the godparent is someone who can serve as a model of faith for the child, someone who strives to live a Christian life and who is active in the life of the Church. In reflecting on this choice, consider those people in your life who are willing to share their faith with your child, both in word and by example, and who will be a part of your child’s life for the span of your child’s life. The godparent can be a relative of the child, such as an aunt, uncle, cousin, sister or brother; but the godparent can also be a close family friend who is truly that model of faith that you want your child to emulate.
Who can serve as godparents?
Only one godparent is required by Canon Law. However, most people do choose two godparents, and in that case, one must be male and one must be female. Ideally, both are confirmed Catholics who participate fully in the worship life of the Catholic Church, but at least one of the godparents must be a confirmed Catholic. One of the godparents may be of another Christian denomination, or a Catholic who has not been confirmed. Both godparents must be 16 years or older.
Do we need to be parishioners to have our child baptized at St. Timothy?
The children who are baptized at St. Timothy are normally the children of parents who are members of our parish. Because the celebration of this sacrament represents an initiation into a family of faith, it is best if the child is baptized in the parish where his or her family will continue to worship on a regular basis. Sometimes extended family members of our parishioners, such as cousins, grandchildren, nieces and nephews, seek to be baptized in our parish so that the extended family can all participate in the celebration. In cases such as these, if parents from other parishes wish to have their child baptized at St. Timothy's, you may need special permission from your home parish.
Is there a fee for Baptisms?
If you desire to make a voluntary donation to the Church, you may do so at the time of the Baptism, but there is no mandatory fee for Baptisms.
What can parents do to prepare for the baptism of their child?
Your child’s baptism is an important moment in the life not only of your child, but of your whole family, especially you, the parents. Considering the spiritual reasons that lead you to seek baptism for your child is a vital step in the process of infant baptism.
In seeking baptism for your child, you are professing your own belief in Jesus Christ and the beliefs of the Catholic Church. This moment of preparation, then, is a graced time for you yourselves to reflect on your own journey of faith and to examine how you will effectively pass on faith to your child. We hope to help you in that process.
As part of our parish Baptism Preparation Program, we ask parents to attend one catechesis session. These classes are offered once a month and most often, parents attend the class closest to the date of their child’s baptism. The preparation consists of a discussion of the theology of Baptism as well as an opportunity for parents to reflect on the meaning of the promises of Baptism. Our hope is that in this session, parents will be able to meet with other parents and share the joys and anxieties of raising faith-filled children in our current society. Parents and godparents are welcome to attend the catechesis session. Click here for the 2019-2020 schedule of Baptisms,which includes the dates for the teaching sessions.
How do I arrange for a Baptism for my child?
Contact our Pastoral Associate, Colleen Campion to register for a Baptism date or for any other inquiries.
We offer these guidelines to assist parents in planning and celebrating the baptism of children. As you prepare for your child's baptism, we encourage prayerful reflection on the gift of faith which you will share with your child.
To register for one of our aptism dates, please contact Colleen Campion, Pastoral Associate: [email protected], 781-769-2522