Please call our Deacon Dennis McCormack to begin the process. 845-227-8380 x13

Email form to baptisms@stcolumbaonline.org

Mailing address:   St.Columba Church
                                Attn - Deacon McCormack
                                PO Box 428
                                Hopewell Junction, NY 12533


THE SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM
 
“From the earliest times, the Church, to which the mission of preaching the gospel and of baptizing was entrusted, has baptized children as well as adults. Our Lord said, ‘Unless a person is reborn in water and the Holy Spirit, they cannot enter the kingdom of God.’ The Church has always understood these words to mean that children should not be deprived of baptism because they are baptized in the faith of the Church. This faith is proclaimed for them by their parents and godparents, who represent both the local Church and the whole society of saints and believers.” (From “The Rite of Baptism, Introduction, #2)
 
Congratulations! - This is a time of great joy for your family as you celebrate the birth of a child. It is also the time to prepare for your child’s “second birth,” his/her rebirth in Christ. These simple guidelines will help you to prepare for that moment.
 
The Celebration of Baptism for Parishioners - Roman Catholics who live in our parish are most encouraged to have the celebration of Baptism for their child at St. Columba Church. If you are not registered with the parish, we will be happy to have you join our parish family. On occasion, parishioners request that the Sacrament of Baptism be celebrated in another Catholic Church. We are happy to give permission to registered parishioners, provided that arrangements are made for Baptismal Preparation either at St. Columba or in the parish of Baptism.
 
The Celebration of Baptism for Non-Parishioners - Normally, the Sacrament of Baptism should be celebrated in the parish where the family resides. However, permission can be granted for the Baptism to take place at St. Columba Church if the family has a special relationship to the parish (a parent grew up here, grandparents still live here, health reasons, etc.) Before a date can be set, a Letter of Permission must be obtained from the family’s home parish, and parents must attend the baptismal preparation program of their home parish.
 
Choosing the Day of Baptism – Parish baptisms are scheduled for available Saturdays and Sundays at 1:30pm. They can also be scheduled for weekdays. A date may be scheduled only after speaking with Deacon Dennis McCormack, our Baptism Coordinator.
 
The Minister of Baptism - A priest or deacon of St. Columba Parish usually celebrates the Baptism. On occasion, families have a close relationship with a priest/deacon whom they would like to have as Celebrant. Visiting priests/deacons are very welcome. Please work together with Deacon Dennis to schedule the date and time.
 
Baptismal Preparation – The Baptism Process begins with a call to Deacon Dennis McCormack. He will go through the list of required documents and help you choose an available date and time. You will receive an email from Deacon Dennis with a link. You are asked to take a two hour course - "Belonging - Baptism in the Family of God" by Father Mike Schmitz. It is set up in modules and need not be completed at once. Upon completion, send your certificate to Deacon Dennis. About one to two weeks before the baptism, you will be contacted by the priest/deacon who is doing the baptism. He will speak with you via zoom/conference call/telephone and answer any further questions you might have. 
 
 The Role of Parents - It is hoped that parents show a level of commitment to Jesus Christ and His Church, as evidenced by their sincere efforts to lead Christian lives. It is hoped that parents are registered members of our parish, participate regularly at Sunday Mass, are growing in love for God and neighbor, have found prayer and faith to be important elements in their daily lives, and working to eliminate unjust attitudes and practices from their lives. Parents should be ready and eager to meet their responsibilities as Christian parents.
 
The Role of Godparents - Godparents are expected to profess the faith in which the child is to be raised. Godparents show the newly baptized how to live the Gospel in personal and social life and sustain them in difficult times. Therefore, godparents must be suitable for this role and must intend to fulfill it. At least one godparent must be chosen. If the godparent cannot be present, a Catholic proxy may be chosen, and the godparent must sign a letter stating their desire and willingness to assume the role of godparent. Godparents must (universal Church law):
- Be designated by the parents or whomever stands in their place.
- Be mature enough to undertake the responsibilities (minimum age is 14).
- Have received the Sacraments of Baptism, Communion and Confirmation, and living a life consistent with the Roman Catholic Faith.
- If married, living in a marriage recognized by the Catholic Church.
- Not be the father or mother of the child.
- Obtain a Sponsor Certificate from their parish where they reside, stating that they are qualified to act as godparent. Certificates should be returned to our church office as soon as possible before the Baptism.
 
The Christian Witness - When, for a just cause, parents wish to have another baptized and believing Christian from a separated church or community act as Christian Witness, these norms are to be followed (universal Church law):
- Before extending the invitation to a non-Catholic, parents should consult with their parish priest/deacon.
- A Non-Catholic may not act as godparent since they do not share in the Catholic Faith. A Christian who has been validly baptized in another communion can be admitted, with a Catholic godparent, as a Christian Witness. In this case, the responsibility for the Catholic education of the child belongs to the Catholic godparent.
- A non-baptized person may not be a godparent or Christian Witness since they do not profess faith in Jesus Christ.
- A Catholic who cannot be a godparent because he/she is not living a life consistent with the faith cannot act as Christian Witness.
 
Church Donation - A donation to St. Columba is welcome. Please place it in an envelope and give it to the priest/deacon on the day of Baptism.
 
The Day of Baptism - All are welcome to attend! Please arrive on time! The Liturgy of Baptism will last 30 minutes.  Flash photography is allowed. The celebrant will mention appropriate moments. No one may stand in the sanctuary (up the steps) to take pictures. Video photography is allowed, but no additional lights may be used. Feel free to take pictures after the ceremony. Congratulations, and may God bless you at this most special time in life of your family!