Building up the Body of Christ with welcoming arms, loving hearts and joyful worship.
We walk with parents in making the decision to baptize their child, in reflecting on what baptism means, in preparing for the liturgy, and in developing a supportive, ongoing connection to parish life.
The Baptismal ministry is a crucial one in the development of the parish and the growth of the church. It is not just a time for recording parish information about new families joining the parish although this is important. Baptism is a unique time for forging a bond between the individual, the family and the Christian community. Moreover, when done properly, this is a time for deepening the faith commitment of the parents so they can step up as role models for their children.
We welcome inquirers about Baptism, exchange needed information with them about parish and diocesan procedures, record official information, schedule and administer preparation sessions, celebrate the sacrament of baptism with the family, and work with them in their faith development after the baptism. To accomplish these key tasks, we work with staff personnel and other parish ministries.
Baptism preparation is held the last Tuesday of the month in the clubroom at the Parish Ministry Center. This session is led by the Baptism team and covers the theology of Baptism, symbols of Baptism, the role of godparents, what it means to raise children in the faith, and an overview of the Baptism rite.
We need people to welcome parents, relay information, and lead baptism preparation classes. The teams need catechists, hospitality providers, and, in some cases, child care providers. We always need helpers who are flexible in meeting the needs of the parents, and yet able to move the sacramental rite through with dignity and care.
Finally, in the post-baptismal process, the religious education director and the baptismal team need the help of the parish at-large to develop programs that will connect with young parents and keep them actively involved in parish life.
This varies depending on the minister’s role. Ideally, the person will attend one monthly preparation meeting per month and one baptismal ceremony every six weeks.
Please complete the form below or contact the Ministry Coordinator at [email protected].
“I still did not know that he was the one, but God, who sent me to baptize with water, had said to me, ‘You will see the Spirit come down and stay on a man; he is the one who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.” “I have seen it,” said John, “and I tell you that he is the Son of God.”
-John 1: 32-34