Baptism

Baptism

Amen, amen, I say to you, no one can enter the kingdom of God without being born of water and Spirit. (John 3:5)

The sacrament of baptism ushers us into the divine life, cleanses us from sin, and initiates us as members of the Christian community. It is the foundation for the sacramental life.

At baptism, the presider prays over the water:
Father, look now with love upon your Church, and unseal for her the fountain of baptism. By the power of the Holy Spirit give to this water the grace of your Son, so that in the sacrament of baptism all those whom you have created in your likeness may be cleansed from sin and rise to a new birth of innocence by water and the Holy Spirit. (Christian Initiation of Adults, #222A)

What is Baptism?

Baptism frees us from the bondage of original and actual sin. Water is poured in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Today, the sacrament of baptism is often performed on infants, shortly after birth. Adult baptisms take place at the Easter Vigil through the restored Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults. Adults or children who have been baptized in a valid Christian church are not baptized again in the Catholic church. As we say in the Nicene Creed, “I confess one Baptism for the forgiveness of sins…”

The Catechism teaches:
"The fruit of Baptism, or baptismal grace, is a rich reality that includes forgiveness of original sin and all personal sins, birth into the new life by which man becomes an adoptive son of the Father, a member of Christ and a temple of the Holy Spirit. By this very fact the person baptized is incorporated into the Church, the Body of Christ, and made a sharer in the priesthood of Christ" (CCC 1279).

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Baptism at Peace of Christ Parish

Baptism is offered at all three parish churches. Adults and children over the age of 7 seeking baptism must go through the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA). Parents and guardians of children under the age of 7 can arrange for a baptism by speaking with the Parish Office.


Questions? Contact Luke Nolan, Catechetical Coordinator and Youth Minister (585)288-5000, ext. 121 or at [email protected]

Role & Requirements of Godparents

Role of Godparent:

It is an ancient custom of the Church that at baptism, godparents be present to represent the greater spiritual community into which the child is being baptized. Godparents are expected to assist the parents in their role of developing and safeguarding the grace which is given to the child through the Sacrament of Baptism. They provide on-going spiritual influence and example in their godchild’s life. Each child may have one or two godparents. If the child has two godparents, one must be male and the other female.



Requirements for a Godparent:

There are two types of godparents: Catholic sponsors and Christian witnesses. At least one godparent must be a Catholic sponsor. To be a Catholic sponsor, the individual:

  • must be a registered member of the Catholic Church.
  • must have received the three sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist.
  • must be mature enough to understand, accept, and carry out the duties of a godparent. That person should be at least 16 years of age.
  • should be living an exemplary life consistent with Christian faith which includes an active faith life through regular attendance at Mass and following the teachings of the Catholic Church. If married, the godparent’s marriage should be recognized as valid by the Catholic Church.
  • needs to provide a sponsor certificate from their current parish to prove that they meet the above criteria.

To be a Christian witness, the individual:

  • might be a baptized member of a Christian denomination who will support your choice of a Catholic upbringing.


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