Baptism
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Welcoming new life is a profound joy for our community. We are equally blessed to see these new families grow in faith with us over time.
Baptism is a serious decision for parents. It is not just a ritual of welcome but a sacrament that claims a soul for Christ. This act of hope and love places a sacred responsibility on parents, godparents, and the church community to guide the child in faith.
According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church (1213), baptism is the "gateway to life in the Spirit." Through it, "we are freed from sin and reborn as children of God." We become members of Christ's Body, the Church, and are called to share in her mission.
Since an infant cannot consent to faith, the Church understands that this journey begins with the family. Baptism is a blessed beginning, a graced gateway to a life with Christ, shaped by the examples you set.Take to heart the beautiful words spoken to the child at baptism:The Lord Jesus made the deaf hear and the mute speak. May he soon touch your ears to receive his word and your mouth to proclaim his faith, to the praise and glory of God the Father. (Ephphetha Prayer #322)
We invite you to contemplate this gift and enter seriously into this sacrament of initiation for your child. We are delighted you will consider having this life-changing moment with our parish.
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Parents should be registered members of a Catholic parish.
The parish church is the locus of our common prayer and sacramental life. Belonging to and engaging in the life of such a worshipping community of believers is essential for the faith formation of your child.
You are most welcome to join St. Ignatius!
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Parents and godparents should participate in a baptism preparation program.
The Sacrament of Baptism is a transformational event and a ritual rich with symbolism pointing to the deepest truths of our faith. The universal Church asks therefore that all parents and godparents prepare by attending a simple course on the Sacrament of Baptism.
Parents and godparents (grandparents and babies too!) are warmly invited to participate in such a course at St. Ignatius. It may be more convenient (especially for godparents) to take the course in another Catholic parish. This is fine – provided one obtain a letter from that parish acknowledging the completion of the program (to be submitted prior to the baptism).
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Godparents should be confirmed and active Catholics.
You will surely have friends and family who do not meet this requirement – even though you know that they will be wonderful moral supports for your child. This is a blessed thing indeed! For baptism – the Church asks for a certain kind of support by way of the godparents. It needs folks who live and know their Catholic faith vibrantly. They have a sacred role assigned to them in helping steward your child’s growth in the faith. Therefore at least one godparent must be a confirmed and active Catholic. Catholic godparents need to request a letter from their own parishes declaring their active membership (to be submitted prior to the baptism).
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