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The Sacrament of Baptism

"Go therefore and make disciples of all nations,

baptizing them in the name of the Father

and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit"

Mt. 28:19

     Baptism is the first of the three Sacraments of Initiation followed by the Holy Eucharist and Confirmation.  Baptism finds its roots in a Jewish purification ritual in which immersion in water was a means of initiating converts into Judaism.  At His baptism in the Jordan by St. John the Baptist, Christ changed this ritual into a sacrament (an outward sign of God's love and man's faith) and fulfills and gives meaning to the use of water which was prefigured in the Old Testament in such events as the liberation of the Chosen People from the bondage of Egypt through the Red Sea.

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     The Sacrament of Baptism is the key that opens the door of faith.  Through the waters of Baptism, the Original Sin committed by our first parents is washed away and our souls purified.  By this purification, we become children of God and enter into a relationship with God that can never be erased.  Furthermore, we die to sin and are united with Christ and, through the anointing with the Sacred Oil of Chrism, share in His three-fold Office as Priest, Prophet and King.

 

     The Church encourages all to enter into this magnificent relationship with God, and thus Catholic parents have a grave duty to have their children baptized and raised in the faith.  To assist them in this task, the parents invite godparents to share in the duty of providing the spiritual needs of their children and to ensure that the children are properly raised in their Catholic faith. When choosing godparents, Canon Law asks that at least one of the godparents be a practicing, confirmed Catholic of good and moral standing and that both godparents be at least 16 years of age.  In the event that a godparent is unable to attend the actual Baptism, the parent must find a proxy with the same qualifications previously mentioned.  A Baptismal Certificate will be required in order for one to be a godparent or Christian Witness (non-Catholic).

Upcoming Baptismal Preparation Classes

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All Baptism Preparation Classes are held in the Saint Peter Senior Center.

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Please call the Rectory 856-663-1373 to reserve your space in the class.

(To insure we have enough materials)

Godparents are welcome, if able to attend.

Both parents are encouraged to attend the class

and children are welcome!

Requirements for all Catholic Godparents:

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  • At least 16 years old

  • If Catholic, should have received the Sacraments of Baptism and Confirmation

  • If married, married in the Catholic Church

  • If single, living a chaste life, that is, not "living with someone"

  • Attend Mass on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation.

  • One Godparent may also be a Christian Witness, which means they are Baptized in another faith tradition and actively practice their faith.

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Sacraments 101: Baptism (Why we baptize)
Bishop Robert Barron on the Sacrament of Baptism
Ignite Your Catholic Faith - Why is Baptism important?
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