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“...The Church, made present by the local community, has an important part to play in the baptism of both children and adults.”
—The Rites of the Catholic Church
In baptism the Church welcomes with joy a new member of the Body of Christ. Since its first days, the Church has been entrusted with baptizing “in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit” and teaching what the Lord Jesus had taught his disciples (Matthew 28:19-20).
At St. Robert, the baptism of infants and young children includes this important preparation:
the sincere desire to raise the child in the Catholic Christian faith
parish membership (or letter of delegation from pastor of current parish)
scheduling the baptism and the pre-baptismal orientation sessions
selection of godparent(s) and/or Christian witness
Pre-baptismal orientation sessions are held on the fourth Tuesdays of the even months of the year from 6:30 to 8:00 pm in the Parish Center Library. Please call the Parish Office to register.
If the godparents (or Christian witness) live in the area, they should also attend. If they do not live in the area, they are asked to attend a pre-baptism class in their parish and send a letter from their parish stating that they have attended.
Please contact the Parish Office to find out the time and place of the next pre-baptism session.
Godparents must be baptized, confirmed, and practicing Catholics, 16 years of age or older and a person other than a parent or adoptive parent of the child. At least one godparent must be named. A Christian witness—that is, a baptized non-Catholic—may also be selected. Christian witnesses must also be 16 years of age or older and not the parent or adoptive parents. Grandparents may serve as godparents or as Christian witnesses.
Because of the communal, public nature of baptism, all baptisms are celebrated during the regularly-scheduled weekend liturgies. Baptisms are not scheduled during Advent and Lent, on certain holidays, or on days of major parish events (such as the annual Fair). There may be more than one child baptized at a given Mass. Space in church will be reserved for family members and friends on the day of the baptism.
What should my child wear?
It is appropriate to dress the child in a white baptismal gown; however any formal church attire is appropriate. A symbolic white stole may be provided by the church as part of the rite of baptism.
What if the godparent or Christian witness cannot be present?
A proxy may stand in on the day of baptism for either a godparent or a Christian witness. The godparent or Christian witness, not the name of the proxy, is listed on the certificate.
Can a guest priest or deacon baptize our child?
Yes. It is expected that the deacon or priest also serve as deacon of that Mass or concelebrate.
What if my child was already baptized in the hospital in an emergency?
The rites of baptism (in church) ought to be supplied after an emergency baptism. The hospital baptism is then documented in the parish baptism registry.
May I have pews reserved for my family?
Yes. Please contact the parish office regarding number of pews needed.
