We congratulate and welcome the parents who would like to baptize their infant or a child in our church, children “who have not yet reached the age of discernment and therefore cannot have or profess personal faith.” (Diocese of Hamilton Sacraments of Initiation for children Guidelines #1)
You need to be a legal guardian of the child to make the request for Baptism and in case of shared custody, both parties need to consent to the request and sign it off. We need to view the birth certificate or another valid official document to verify the personal details you provide for our baptismal register.
Before scheduling the Baptism date, we invite you to know our church and Parish Community and to meet with the Pastor. This time of exploring your faith and refreshing your religious practices, attending Sunday Holy Mass, and using the opportunity to approach Sacraments of Penance and Eucharist will help you to make the Baptism a meaningful experience and prepare you to bring your child up in the faith. (Diocese of Hamilton Sacraments of Initiation for Children Guidelines #2) During the liturgy you will make a solemn promise “of raising the child in the faith.” (The Order of Baptism p.5)
In this time of anticipation, we will invite you to our program providing basic information regarding the Sacrament of Baptism and details about the actual liturgy. (Diocese of Hamilton Sacraments of Initiation for Children Guidelines #3)
If you live outside the city or haven’t been practicing in our parish then please provide permission form from your local parish where you belong and practice. We can provide you with a form designed by the Diocese of Hamilton for this instance.
-----------------------------
Following the Baptism our Pastoral Team will contact every family offering assistance and information regarding parish life and activities, that may help with raising child in the Catholic Faith. The visit is always an opportunity for prayer.
By registering for Baptism in our parish, families agree to participate in our follow-up program. Volunteers from the Legion of Mary will reach out to you and visit, offering support and prayers to help you grow spiritually and raise your child in the faith.
