Baptism
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 regeneration through water in the word. (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1213)
How do I schedule a baptism?
Baptism class is held on the 3rd Thursday of the month in Holy Name Room at 7 pm and lasts no longer than an hour. Please make a reservation to attend class in advance of Baptism by calling the Parish Office at 573-635-6143. For calls after business hours or for more information, please contact the Baptism class facilitators by e-mailing Debbie & Kevin Kolb or calling Debbie at 573-230-5030.
When should I have my child baptized?
Parents should have their children baptized within the first few weeks after birth (Code of Canon Law, 867). It is easier for parents to take the baptism preparation class and to schedule a baptism earlier rather than later.
Who can be a godparent?
According to the Code of Canon Law, the requirements for taking on the function of a sponsor or godparent, a person must:
be designated by the one to be baptized, by the parents or the person who takes their place, or in their absence by the pastor or minister and have the aptitude and intention of fulfilling this function;
have completed the sixteenth year of age, unless the diocesan bishop has established another age, or the pastor or minister has granted an exception for a just cause;
be a Catholic who has been confirmed and has already received the most holy sacrament of the Eucharist and who leads a life of faith in keeping with the function to be taken on;
not be bound by any canonical penalty legitimately imposed or declared;
not be the father or mother of the one to be baptized.
A baptized person who belongs to a non-Catholic ecclesial community is not to participate except together with a Catholic sponsor and then only as a witness of the baptism. (Code of Canon Law, 874)
In addition, an Orthodox Christian may be a godparent in the Catholic Church together with a Catholic godparent. (Directory for the Application of Principles and Norms on Ecumenism, 98)
Can I have two godfathers or two godmothers?
Church law stipulates: "There is to be only one male sponsor or one female sponsor or one of each." (Code of Canon Law, 873)
Sponsors/Godparents: complete this form as directed and return to IC
baptism-godparent form (fillable).pdf