Corpus Christi Parish Online Giving About Us Faith Formation Resources and Information Sacraments more Baptism Baptism, the first and fundamental sacrament and the gate to the other sacraments, is the purifying and sanctifying sacrament of rebirth. It is the means by which its recipients are incorporated into the church in a sacramental bond of unity. Baptism Preparation Please contact Fr. Garrett in the parish office to schedule a meeting to talk about the baptism of your child into the family of the Lord. Choosing Godparents There seems to be some confusion when Godparents are being considered between wanting to have one’s best friend or another relative or acquaintance be the God parent. Catholics must have fully initiated Catholic as godparents; that is Godparents in a Catholic baptism needs to be a practicing Catholic and also needs to have received the three sacraments of Initiation, Baptism First Eucharist, and Confirmation. A Godparent cannot be expected to mentor a Godchild if the Godparent himself/herself hasn’t received all of the sacraments of initiation. A person who is not a Catholic but is a member of a Christian Church with a valid baptism and who has received that valid Baptism in their own church can act as a Christian Witness for the child. In that case, the other sponsor needs to be a fully initiated practicing Catholic. All Godparents (or the single Christian Witness) also have to have attained the age of 16. When there are two Godparents, one has to be male and the other female. Also, a Godparent is a permanent choice. In other words if you have a falling out with the person or persons you select to be a Godparent, there name cannot be removed from the official record of the child’s baptism. Another consideration when making a choice of Godparent. Please consult with the Pastor before asking the person you want as a Godparent to be certain that you have the correct information in order to make an appropriate choice. Responsibilities of Godparents To be chosen as a godparent is a special honor. You, above all others, have been entrusted with the responsibility to participate in this child's Christian life and education. This privilege offers you the opportunity to develop a mutually enriching spiritual relationship - one that will last throughout this life and beyond. Godparents make a promise to God, to the parents, to the child, and to the Church. You proclaim aloud a covenant to witness gospel attitudes and values in your life and in the relationships that will develop with this child. You proclaim that you will be a Christian community for the child being baptized. You say you will surround this child with care concern, support, faith, trust, challenge and compassion as they mature. There are many special ways you can nurture this spiritual relationship and become a special friend to your godchild. Among them are: Celebrate the anniversary of this holy day of Baptism each year with a visit, a call, or a card. As your godchild grows, listen to and share in the struggles and triumphs of living a Christian life. Encourage a consistent life of faith. Participate in or send assurance of prayer, as your godchild receives the other sacraments. Be supportive of your godchild's parents in their role as the primary religious educators of their child. And most importantly, become a model of Christian living for your godchild through daily prayer, virtue and active participation in parish life and liturgy. By living a Christian life in partnership with your godchild, both of you will experience the great joy of sharing a life of faith. © 2015 by Corpus Christi Parish. Proudly created with Wix.com