BAPTISM
“Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.” Mt 28:19-28
“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.” Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1213
Why Baptize?
Children are baptized to remove original sin. When someone is baptized, original sin and any sin they have committed up to that point are forgiven, and the punishment is relieved. The newly baptized person is now a “new creature.” They become an adoptive child of God, and they now form a part of the Body of Christ. They are now in communion with all Christians. Baptism also leaves a spiritual mark on the baptized of belonging to Christ that cannot ever be taken away or erased.
What Is The Role Of Parents And Sponsors (Godparents)?
Both parents and sponsors are responsible for the spiritual life of the newly baptized. That is why we ask for a class to be taken by the parents and sponsors. The date of the class will be given at the time of registration.
Parents decide to baptize their child and, as such, teach and guide them in the Catholic faith.
Sponsors are to take over or assist in the faith development of the person being baptized in the event that his/her parents cannot or if they neglect the child.
We hope that, keeping in mind the information above, you will want to introduce your child into the Catholic Church through baptism. Below are the requirements to baptize at St. John Paul II Parish:
Requirements For Baptism
The original birth certificate of the child
Parents and sponsors must attend a class
Parents must be active registered parishioners at St. John Paul II Parish.
Sponsors must complete an Affidavit form signed by their pastor.
Sponsors must:
Must be practicing catholic(s)
Must be older than 16
Have the sacraments of Baptism and Confirmation
If they are a couple, they must be married by the Church. Sponsors that are living together must be married through the Catholic Church.
Children 7 years of age and over need to register for religious education classes. They cannot be baptized until they have completed these classes.
The date for Baptism will be scheduled during the appointment with the pastor. If you have additional questions, call the parish office at (575) 332-4496.
Requirements For Sponsors
According to the Code of Canon Law, canons 872-874:
“Insofar as possible, a person to be baptized is to be given a sponsor who assists an adult in Christian initiation or together with the parents presents an infant for baptism. A sponsor also helps the baptized person to lead a Christian life in keeping with baptism and to fulfill faithfully the obligations inherent in it. There is to be only one male sponsor or, one female sponsor, or one of each. To be permitted to take on the function of sponsor, a person must:
1) 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;
2) 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;
3) 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;
4) not be bound by any canonical penalty legitimately imposed or declared;
5) not be the father or mother of the one to be baptized.
For questions, contact our Religious Education Coordinator Mrs. Mayra L. Larios at (575) 502-4723 or the parish office at (575) 332-4496.