Baptism
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General Information on Baptism
Baptism is the sacrament through which the sins of a person are wiped away, God comes to dwell within them, and they become a member of the Church. It is a powerful moment of grace in the life of a Christian.
Is baptism really necessary?
Why do Catholics baptize babies? Why not wait until they can decide on their own?
If you are interested in being baptized (as an adult; or a child older than seven), please contact the Parish Office or email one of the priests or deacons. If you need information on a baptism that took place at St. Cecilia, please call the Parish Office. If you are interested in having a child under the age of seven baptized, please see below.
Having a Child Baptized at St. Cecilia
Congratulations on the gift of your child. We are delighted that you interested in sharing the Catholic Faith with them through the Sacrament of Baptism. Our parish rejoices with you in the gift of grace that will enter the life of your child, uniting them to Jesus Christ forever!
Please begin here:
Registration for the Baptism of a Child at St. Cecilia (click here for the form)
After you submit your registration form, a deacon or priest will contact you and have a brief conversation about you and your family. They explain our process and schedule a time to meet with you to discuss the choice of godparents and your completion of the Belonging Course. You are encouraged to ask him any questions you have and be sure to introduce yourself at Mass over the weekend too!
The Role of the Godparents
Please share this video with those who have chosen to serve as godparents for your child. Please ask them to watch this six-minute video to gain more understanding of the role you are asking of them. Of course, they are also welcome to fully participate in the entire Belonging Course with you!
(click here to watch the video)
Belonging: Baptism in the Family of God
St. Cecilia invites couples to prepare for the baptism of the child using the on-line course Belonging through Ascension Press (click here for the link; select the option that costs $11.95). The course is also available in SPANISH. The course will take between 90 and 120 minutes to complete, and it is a worthwhile investment of time for this important moment in the life of your child. We encourage you to invite the godparents to join you as well. We have a handout that will assist you in following along and taking notes that will be used when you meet with a deacon or priest in anticipation of the baptism.
Outline and Questions for Your Participation In The Belonging Course (click here)Overview of the Process for having a Child Baptized
Prayerfully make the decision to have your child baptized so that they can begin a life-long relationship with Jesus Christ.
Complete the Registration Form (the link is above).
Have a phone call with one of our priests or deacons (they will reach out to you)
Share “The Role of Godparents” video with those you have chosen as godparents
Complete “Belonging: Baptism in the Family of God” Course and print the certificate.
Have an in-person meeting with the priest or deacon who contacted you.
Attend Mass as a family each weekend in preparation for the baptism.
Celebrate the gift God gives your child on the day of her or his baptism!