Infant Baptism
email Sue Beechin or phone her at (978) 251-8571/ 256-2374, ext 236

Teen or Adult Baptism
email Heather Hannaway, or phone her at (978) 251-8571/ 256-2374, ext 226

As you come to the Church for the Sacrament of Baptism, you seek the greatest gift you could give your child, the gift Jesus Christ promised his believers; the fullness of life, happiness, eternal life in the communion of God’s love. Baptism is the gateway to sacramental life and grace in the Church. It frees one from sin and fills them with the saving grace of Jesus Christ. The soul filled with grace enlightens the whole person, who becomes a disciple of Christ. 

We are honored and humbled to be part of this sacred undertaking. We here at The Holy Rood Collaborative, joyfully offer you our prayerful and pastoral support, always ready to assist you in the Catholic formation of your child. Don’t hesitate to call on us for help in exercising your role as the primary educators of your child in matters of the faith. The information contained on this page is meant to help you prepare for your baby’s Baptism and to address many of the common questions parents have as they prepare for baptism.

Parents seeking baptism must be registered at the church [registration form can be found to the right] in which you are reqesting baptism, and actively participating members of the parish prior to the Baptism. If registered in another parish, the parents must have a letter of permission from the pastor of their home parish. 

Scheduling a Baptism

The Church recommends that Baptism for reasons of the importance of Baptism for salvation, take place as soon as possible after birth. Having said that...

• At St. Mary's, the Sacrament of Baptism is celebrated on the first Sunday of the month at 2:00 pm.  Baptism Preparation takes place on the Friday immediately preceding the first Sunday of the month.
• At St. John's, the Sacrament of Baptism is celebrated on the second Sunday of the month at 2:00 pm.  Baptism Preparation takes place on the Friday immediately preceding the  second Sunday of the month.
• At St. Margaret's, the Sacrament of Baptism is celebrated on the third Sunday of the month at 2:00 pm. Baptism Preparation takes place on the Friday preceding the second Sunday of the month.

Baptism Preparation

Prior to the day of baptism, parents and godparents read through the Rite of Baptism for Children. They should know the structure of the rite and the responses they must make. The child should be dressed in white, as an outward sign of the child’s new Christian dignity by means of the thorough cleansing from sin that happens in Baptism. During the ceremony, parents first ask the Church for Baptism and then make the sign of the Cross on the child’s forehead, claiming the child for Christ. Next, they publicly acknowledge that they clearly understand that in asking for their child to be baptized, they are accepting the responsibility of training the child in the practice of the faith. The Church teaches that there must be a well founded hope that the infant will be brought up in the Catholic religion. They reject Satan, all his evil works and empty promises, and profess their faith in God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Spirit, the Holy Catholic Church and what the Church teaches. As the priest will need to anoint the child’s breast plate, we ask that please not tie anything tightly around the child’s neck, as it will have to be loosened or unfastened during the ceremony. A baptismal candle will be provided by the Church.

Role of Godparents

“For the grace of Baptism to unfold, the parents’ help is important. So too is the role of the godfather and godmother, who must be firm believers, able and ready to help the newly baptized on the road of Christian life.”  The mission of the godparent or sponsor is with the parents to present the child for Baptism and help the baptized to lead a Christian life in harmony with Baptism. A child must have at least one godparent, but may have one godfather and one godmother.

According to the universal law of the Church, to be admitted to the Role of a Godparent, a person must be Catholic, at least 16 years of age, have received the Sacrament of Confirmation, not be the father or the mother of the one to be baptized, and lead a moral life in harmony with the faith and the role of a godparent, as stated in the Godparent Covenant, which must be signed. A person who does not practice the faith and keep the commandments is not capable of being a sponsor, because that person is not practicing the faith in which, as a godparent, (s)he must help to raise your child. If parents are unable to find a qualified godparent from among their family and friends, the Church will provide one. 

A non-Catholic Parent

A non-Catholic parent does not need to make the profession of faith during the baptism if he or she does not share the Catholic faith. However, this parent, in requesting Baptism for the child, must give permission for the child to be instructed and raised in the faith of the Church in which the child is Baptized.

Photos and Videos

Photos and videos of the Baptismal ceremony are allowed and encouraged. They provide a great means for the child to be able to revisit the day of baptism when he or she is older. Those taking photos and videos should remember that the Church is not a studio and the primary purpose of being present at the baptism is to pray; therefore, they are asked to be discreet in the taking of these important remembrances.

Donations

It is customary for the family of the child to be Baptized to present a financial gift to the Church according to their means, in gratitude to God for the birth and spiritual rebirth of the child, and in order to foster the continued growth and work of the Church God founded. These contributions go entirely to the Church. If the family would like to give a special gift to the priest, they may, but it is not expected that they do so.

We are always ready to assist you in the Catholic formation of your child. Don’t hesitate to call on us for help in exercising your role as primary educators of your child in the faith.