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Infant Baptism -
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Welcome and Congratulations on the birth of your child!
At Immaculate Heart of Mary we are excited for you and your family with the addition of a new child as a part of your family and we look forward to the day that they will be welcomed into our Catholic Christian family through the Sacrament of Baptism.
What is Baptism?
Not only is Baptism the basis for our entire life as Christians it is also "Through Baptism we are freed from sin and reborn as sons of God; we become members of Christ, are incorporated into the Church and made sharers in her mission" (CCC 1213)
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Get my baby Baptized
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Susan Andersonsusanaihmco.orgDir. Marriage & Baptism Prep/ Sacramental Records
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Contact the Baptism Coordinator.
Complete a Baptism Class either at IHM or another parish.
Turn in Paperwork to Baptism Coordinator
Schedule Baptism Date
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Child's Birth Certificate
Baptismal Class Completion Certificate
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Together with the parents, to present an infant for Baptism, and help the baptized to lead a Christian life in harmony with Baptism and to fulfill faithfully the obligations connect with it.” – Canon Law 872
- Must be good examples and sources of support for both the child and the parents and be fully initiated members of the Catholic church.
- Must be confirmed and at least 16 years old.
- Must either be living a chaste life as a single person or be married in a valid Catholic marriage.
- Must be actively living their faith, attend Mass and confession regularly.
- Must attend a baptism preparation class here or supply proof of attendance from their local parish.
- Only one Catholic godparent is required.
Godparent Form
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Does it make a difference who you choose to be your children’s Godparents? YES!
People often want to ask their best friends or favorite relatives to act as Godparents for their children; they usually do this as a way of honoring someone. Of course, we all would like to honor those who are dear to us, but the Baptism of your child may not be the right time to do so.
Would you ask your best friend to perform heart surgery on your child? Of course not, unless he/she were a competent heart surgeon. So if the role of Godparents is to help the parents to raise the child in the good practice of the Catholic faith, then it stands to reason that you should ask someone who shows by their own knowledge and practice that they can help someone else follow in their footsteps.
Helping a child become a good Catholic Christian in an important undertaking; it is therefore, equally important to ask someone who regularly prays with the community at Sunday Mass and, who in other ways practices his/her faith and shows commitment to Christian values.
None of this is to suggest that your dear friends or relatives are not good people. They will surely be with you to help you in many other ways. But, a teacher of mathematics may not be a good teacher of English grammar and a good friend or close relative may not be the best model of Catholic Christian practice.
If you value your faith, you will choose the best teachers to help you pass that faith onto your children.
*Taken from Archdiocese of Santa Fe, Godparent (Sponsor) Agreement, September 2005
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Frequently Asked Questions
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Express joy and thank God for the gift of life!
Contact the Baptism Coordinator. You will receive the necessary forms and instructions electronically or if you choose you may pick them up at the church.
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Parents, if you have taken the class within the last 3 years, or if this is your 2nd child, the baptism class will be optional. Godparents are required to attend a baptismal class every 2 years. Please include a baptism class certificate with your forms.
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No. You can go to any Catholic Church that offers a baptism preparation Class. You must attend an in person class. Please include a copy of your class certificate with your paperwork if you are not able to attend the class at Immaculate Heart. On line classes are not permitted.
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After you and your Godparents have completed the Baptism Class and all paperwork has been submitted to the Baptism Coordinator to be reviewed and verified, contact the coordinator for scheduling. Typically, Baptisms are held on the 1st three Sunday's of the month.
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YES! The consent of at least one parent is required to have your child baptized.
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YES! That will not impact your child's eligibility to be baptized. The child’s baptism will not be delayed for unmarried parents.
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Yes. The Code of Canon Law requires only that there “be a founded hope that the infant will be brought up in the Catholic religion” (can. 868).
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Only ONE Catholic Godparent is required, but you can choose to have TWO- one male, and one female. Sponsors must meet the requirements for a Catholic Godparent.
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No. You are required to have a least ONE Catholic Godparent that meets all the requirements.
.A Christian Witness is someone baptized in another denomination and can be a "witness"
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No. There can be only ONE Godfather or ONE Godmother.
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Yes. If a Godparent cannot attend the baptismal ceremony, a “proxy” can stand in for them.
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A white garment is traditional but not required.
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YES! Yes! Yes! You can take pictures during the baptism.
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