Guidelines for Baptism

Jesus was baptized so that He might closely identify with us. We are baptized so that we might more closely identify with Christ.  Because people often misunderstand what is expected if they wish to baptize their children, I wrote today’s column to enrich our understanding of Baptism.     Baptism is such an important event in the lives of Catholic Christians.  It is the primary way we are initiated into the Church (God’s Family).  Why baptize children? We baptize children so that they might be reared in an environment that emphasizes Christian values from the very beginning of a child’s life.   We love to baptize new members!  At the same time, it is everyone’s responsibility to develop a clear understanding of what this involves. Too many people have misconceptions about Baptism.  This column aims to clarify what is rightfully expected here when parents wish to have a child baptized.   We come to realize (or should come to realize) that Baptism is not merely something that happens to the child.  Sure, Baptism becomes a very important experience in the child’s life. But we must highlight the truth that Baptism calls for a deep faith commitment to Christ on the part of the Church Family and the child’s parents and family.    Baptism gives the Church the opportunity to share its faith with a new, unique member.  This new child is yet another very special way God shows His love to His people. 

The Church and_the_child’s_family are challenged to do everything possible to share the gift of faith with the child as he or she grows.  Families must_exercise_spiritual_responsibility. The Church earnestly exhorts families to regularly participate in the worship activities of the Church. This includes but is not limited to participating at Mass every weekend and during every Holy Day of Obligation whenever reasonably possible.

Parents who wish to present their child for Baptism should be registered at this parish.  (Sometimes, people are unsure as to whether or not they are registered. Let me clarify this. If you receive envelopes, you are registered; if you don’t receive envelopes in your own name, you need to register. Simply call the rectory to register.)   We also expect parents to attend a class about Baptism before we agree to set a date to baptize a child.  The class is informal. It provides a relaxed atmosphere.  It enables parents to come to know our parish a little better.  This also enables us to have some personal contact with young parents. Equally as important is the fact that the class reinforces the important teachings about Baptism articulated in this column. We’ve been following this policy for more than five years. Call the rectory to make arrangements well ahead of time. We’ll make every reasonable effort to match your schedule to attend a class.    Sometimes, parents of children living away from this parish wish to have their children baptized here at OLMC Church .  This is common when the parents and the child live elsewhere but close family members (especially grandparents and great-grandparents of the child) still live in the Niles vicinity. We’re glad to baptize the child here at this church as long as certain expectations are met. We expect the parents of the child to be participating at a parish in close proximity to their present residence.  The parents of the child must obtain a letter of permission from the Pastor of the parish to which they belong. We also require the parents of the child to obtain a certificate stating that they have completed a pre-Baptismal class at their own parish. (They may attend the class here at OLMC Parish if their Pastor states in his letter to us that option is acceptable to him.) After we receive the letter from their Pastor and the certificate verifying attendance at the pre-baptism class, we’ll gladly schedule the Baptism here.    What if parents of the child belong to no parish at all?  In this case, it is very important that the child’s parents realize and accept their responsibilities to be active at a parish. The parents of the child are the ones who need to take action in a spiritually responsible manner to rectify their situation. Parents belonging to no parish need to register at their proper parish as soon as possible. No matter what parish parents belong to, we expect parents to share with their parish the God-given gifts of time, talent, and treasure if they want to present their child for Baptism.  They should become active in their parish before attempting to meet the necessary requirements to schedule a Baptism described above.            It is so very important that people baptize their children for the right reasons. The expectations expressed here are consistent with policies set by the Catholic Diocese of Youngstown. They are healthy expectations, not unnecessary burdens. We firmly believe in doing the right things for the right reasons.  I truly appreciate your assistance in distributing the clarifications articulated here  to everyone who may wish to have a child baptized here at our parish.    As a parish family, let’s encourage all to pray about the meaning of the Sacrament of Baptism in our everyday lives.  When we are baptized, we make a very sacred commitment to God.  We make promises to the Lord. Let’s live the reality of these promises.  – Fr. Larry Frient 

Where can I find my baptismal certificate?
Catholic parishes have always taken special care of sacramental records and they are kept on file at the rectory. You may call and request a copy of a record when you need one. There is no fee. When records are requested for a wedding or any other reason, they should usually be documented from the last six months. For example, if you are getting married, the priest needs a baptismal certificate that has been
certified in the last six months. The copy at the time of your baptism will not suffice. The record must include all sacramental information that is recorded for you and those records are kept with your baptismal certificate at the parish of your baptism.