Baptism

- What is the Sacrament of Baptism?
  
  From apostolic times, becoming a Christian has involved a journey and an initiation consisting of several stages.
  
  This road can be traveled quickly or slowly and always includes some essential elements:
  The proclamation of the Word
  The reception of the Gospel that leads to conversion
  The profession of faith
  The baptism
  The outpouring of the Holy Spirit
  Access to Eucharistic communion
- Since the baptism of children became the habitual form of celebrating this sacrament, it has become a unique act that integrates all the stages preceding Christian initiation. By its very nature, Baptism of children demands a post-baptismal catechumenate. It is not only a question of the need for instruction after Baptism, but of the necessary development of baptismal grace in the growth of the person. It is the proper moment of catechesis.
- The great mystery given in the Sacrament of Baptism is a rich reality that reveals that: through the baptism Original Sin is forgiven, we are consecrated and adopted by God who has made us his sons and daughters, we have been initiated into the Body of Christ (which is the Church), and our human bodies have become consecrated as “Temples of the Holy Spirit.”
To celebrate the Sacrament of Baptism of a child, the following is required:
- Baptisms in English are offered on Saturdays at 11 am.
  Only children under 7 years of age may be baptized prior to beginning their catechetical training. However, if the child is 7 years of age or older, he/she should be registered in a Religious Education Program.
  Only the child's parents or legal guardians may register the child for baptism.
  We invite all families to register their children early at the Shrine Office to choose the desired baptism date.
  The parents must present the child's birth certificate for baptism.
  Note: The information on the Baptismal Certificate will be made according to the official information contained in the child´s birth certificate.
  The Shrine requests a donation of $ 100.00 in support of our ministry to the community.
- Godparents:
- Pre-Baptismal Classes:
Godparents:
- All godparents who are married couples must have celebrated the Sacrament of Marriage in the Catholic Church.
  If a godparent is single, they must be at least 16 years of age, have received the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Eucharist), and be practicing Catholics.
  Only Roman Catholic Christians and those in Churches in Full Communion with the Catholic Church are eligible to serve as godparents at the Rite of Baptism. Persons who are of other confessions and creeds, e.g., atheists, protestants, or profess other religious creeds, are not eligible to be godparents for baptism and are asked to please respect these norms of the Church.
Pre-Baptismal Classes:
- Parents and Godparents must take a pre-baptismal class before the baptism. A certificate of completion will be issued after the class and will be valid for 2 years.
  If the godparents cannot attend the class at the Shrine, they can register and attend it at another Catholic parish. The certificate of completion must be presented to the Shrien Office no later than two weeks before the date of baptism.
- We look forward to hearing from you!
  
  For more information on the requirements for baptizing your child, please feel free to call us at your earliest convenience at 847-294-1806.