Holy Baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life, the gateway to life in the Spirit, and the door which gives access to the other sacraments. 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. “Baptism is the sacrament of the regeneration through water and in the word.
Catechism of the Catholic Church #1213
Baptism makes us members of the Body of Christ: “Therefore… we are members one of another.” Baptism incorporates us into the Church. From the baptismal font is born the one People of God of the New Covenant, which transcends all the natural or human limits of nations, cultures, races and sexes: For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body.
Catechism of the Catholic Church #1267
Most Holy Name of Jesus Parish welcomes its families to celebrate with great faith and joy the baptism of their children. As one of the seven sacraments of the Church, it is the grace of God made present through the ritual of baptism that washes away original sin, claims the one baptized for Christ Jesus and incorporates that child into the Church. How important that parents make every effort to have their child baptized as soon as possible after birth so that the life of grace can begin its effective work in your beloved son or daughter.
It is the full expectation that those presenting their children for baptism are fully incorporated members of the parish community. Baptism should take place primarily in the parish Church where the parents are registered and actively participating. There are, however, reasons why some parents might choose another Church for the baptism of their child and we will try to honor those desires whenever possible.
Baptism comes with responsibilities. Parents must make a faith commitment when they baptize their child, a commitment to see that the seeds of God’s life and faith that are planted in their child’s heart at baptism, will be nurtured and cared for so that initial faith can mature and flourish. This means that parents are attending Mass regularly and participating as fully as possible in the life of the parish, contributing time, talent and treasure in support of their parish community. If there are mitigating circumstances that prevent full participation in the sacramental life of the Church, for example an invalid marriage, the priest will make every effort to work pastorally with those involved to facilitate the baptism of the child and to help in any way possible to address the issues involved.
It is imperative that parents choose godparents for their children who are practicing Catholics in good standing with the Church. Being a godparent is not an honorary title; it carries with it significant responsibilities to witness the life of faith to the child for which you stand. See Appendix A for the Church’s guidelines on sponsors for baptism.
Please call the parish office at 412-231-2994, ext. 0 to schedule a Bapismal Class and a date for Baptism.