Saint Margaret Parish

Baby Baptisms

The Bible and Baby Baptisms

In the New Testament we read that after Lydia was converted “she was baptized, with her household” (Acts 16:15). Likewise the jailer whom St. Paul had brought to the faith was baptized along with his whole family (Acts 16:33). Writing to the Corinthians, Saint Paul recalled that, “I also baptized the household of Stephanas” (1 Cor. 1:16). In all these circumstances, whole families were baptized together. Naturally, the children were also included.

Catholic Parenting and Catholic Children

The fact that God has blessed you with a baby is a sure indication that He trusts you to be responsible and to make the right decisions on the baby’s behalf. You will make many choices on your child’s behalf. Our parents did for us. If you truly do value something in your life you will naturally want to share it with your children. If your Catholic Christian Faith is precious to you, you will already be living it in your life. In order that your child receives the full benefits of baptism, the parents have to be living and enjoying the full benefits of the Catholic Christian faith. What does that mean?

Godparents must also know and live their Catholic Faith

What the Holy Church expects of Catholic parents, is also expected of the Godparents. Family members who are not attached to a parish, do not attend Mass every Sunday, who do not regularly receive Holy Communion, or if partnered have not married before a Catholic priest, can not be Godparents. As a parent or Godparent, your child will be very much influenced by your example. What you do, the child will quickly learn to copy.

During baptism, the priest will ask both parents and Godparents to take on the obligation of bringing up your child in the knowledge and, most importantly, in the practice of the Catholic Faith.

What if I attend different churches on Sunday?

Although there are many Catholic churches in the area, they do not exist to provide Catholics with a variety of options to make attending Mass easy to fit into our busy schedules. Each parish church is a unique family. Each member of a parish church should bond with their parish church and know their pastor. The pastor should know you too, at least by sight, as is expected of a shepherd.

Because there is only one pastor, his first obligation is to his own parishioners who attend Mass here every Sunday and support the parish. For this reason, visitors from outside the parish are asked to contact their own local parish.

What if I do not attend Mass every Sunday?

Loyalty and commitment to weekly commitment to Sunday Mass distinguishes Catholic Christians from other types of Christians. To choose not to attend Mass on Sunday is a serious sin against God and His Church. Before a Catholic baptism both parents and godparents will be asked to make a promise to bring up the child according to the teaching of Christ and His Church. If you and the Catholic godparents are not disciplined in attending Sunday Mass every week, not only do you place your own soul in danger, but by bad example, the soul of the child you are asking baptism for is likewise endangered.

Why do parishioners Register in a Parish?

By registering with the parish you will be saying that you want to be counted as part of this family. You are also giving the pastor responsibility to help you be accountable to your faith and Catholic way of life. One does not register with a parish church simply to get a sacrament. Registering marks a commitment to a way of life centered around the Sunday Mass in the parish church. But with so many people going to Church on Sunday, using your offering envelopes is often the only a way to verify your commitment to a parish and as Catholics we have a moral obligation to help the Church accomplish its work. Good habits can take longer to develop than bad ones. For that reason, there is an expectation that you are already attending Mass here at St. Margaret’s for at least 4 weeks before requesting a baptism. Make it easy for us to verify you are part of the parish by using your offering envelopes (even if empty!) every week.

Why so many rules?

Rules are not necessary bad. There are rules we must follow when we drive a car on the road. Rules can remind us of our obligations to others and remind us that sacrifices must often be made for a greater good. Parents reflect the values they believe in by setting down rules of conduct and expectations for their children to follow. God has given us rules in the form of the Ten Commandments to help us flourish and protect us from the sins of others. When we find ourselves inconvenienced by a Rule of Faith, a Commandment or even a law, it is often difficult to be humble and obedient. Thank God we have the gift of time to change!

What Happens Next?

1. You are already attending Sunday Mass here every week. If not, begin now.
2. You have already registered as a member of the parish. If not, do so now if you have been attending here.
3. You have been placing an offering envelope with your name on it so that the pastor knows you attend here and value being part of this parish community.
4. If you are Catholic and have not been going to Mass every Sunday, you need to go to Confession and ask the priest if you can receive Holy Communion. Confession begins 30 minutes before each Sunday Mass.