Baptism

Christians are born through the Sacrament of Baptism, that is, through baptism we are born as "other Christs." Christ has no body now but the baptized. The baptized are the body of Christ, the people of God, the Church.

REQUIREMENT FOR PARISH BAPTISM  

Usually baptisms are done twice a month. Baptisms in English are usually on the first Saturday of each month. Baptisms in Spanish are usually on the last Sunday of the month.  Please check with the Parish office to verify the exact date. Applications for Baptism are available from the Parish Office. Please call the office for information concerning the Sacrament of Baptism at (301) 946-8200 . 
 

Parents and Godparents are required to attend a baptismal seminar. Please check with the Parish office to confirm dates and times. 
  


THE FAITH OF THE PARENTS 

1. Children are baptized based upon the faith of their parents which places the responsibility upon the parents for bringing the child up in the Catholic faith. The mothers and fathers of children to be baptized are the primary religious educators of their children. Children learn to trust and love God, to love others, to do good and avoid evil from their parents. Parents should pray with their children in their home so that prayer becomes a natural part of home life and a daily routine.
2. Parents of children to be baptized are expected to be committed to the formal religious education of their children. Through our Religious Education Program, children learn about the beliefs of the Church and are prepared for the reception of the Sacraments.
3. Parents who find their faith lacking or who do not regularly participate in the Eucharistic Celebration of their parish should seriously consider whether Baptism should be delayed until they are ready to accept the responsibility of raising their child in the Church. In these cases, the parish priest and/or deacon may be able to guide them through instruction and prayer to a deeper faith commitment and understanding of what the faith involves.
4. Parents who wish to have their children baptized must be registered members of the parish. They are expected to be practicing members of the faith by weekly attendance at the Saturday evening or Sunday morning liturgy. Parents are encouraged to participate in the Parish activities and be dedicated to fulfilling a Catholic life style.
   1. If the parents are not registered members of our parish, but the parents have a family member who is a member, the baptism may be possible here. In this case, written permission from the pastor of the parent's home parish and his indication that they are active members of the parish is required before the baptism would be possible. OR
   2. In cases of extreme circumstance one of our priests may grant permission that someone be baptized with no affiliation to our parish. In this case, written permission from the pastor of the parent's home parish and his indication that they are active members of the parish may also be required. 5) If this is the couple's first child, they must attend a Baptism class - To make arrangements for the class the couple will need to call the parish office (301) 946-8200 . NOTE: They can attend class elsewhere but must have a letter from that parish.
5. One of the Godparents must be Catholic - if the Catholic Godparent is a registered member of our parish, nothing else is needed. If the Catholic Godparent is a member of a Catholic Church other than ours, a letter from their home Parish stating they are worthy to be sponsors is required.
6. The sacrament of Baptism is normally celebrated the first Sunday of the Month in English and the last Sunday of the Month in Spanish after the 12:30 PM Mass.
7. A baptismal registration form must be completed prior to the baptism. This can be accomplished by contacting the Parish Office.

REQUIREMENTS FOR THE GODPARENTS 

Since the godparents are representatives of the larger Christian Community into which the child is to be baptized, they should be Catholic. For pastoral reasons, however, one godparent may be a practicing Christian of another denomination.

1. 

Parents should give serious consideration to prospective godparents. Although family pressures often exist, godparents should be chosen primarily for their faith commitment. Their responsibility in joining with the parents and supporting the baptized person in their lifelong Christian commitment. Since the godparents are representatives of the larger Christian Community into which the child is to be baptized, they should be Catholic. For pastoral reasons, however, one godparent may be a practicing Christian of another denomination.
2. Godparents outside of the parish must obtain a written notification from the parish in which they are registered indicating that they are in good standing with the Church.